A big task with great rewards (Proverbs 20:7)
I have often heard the phrase, “Anyone can be a daddy, but it takes a man to be a father.” Although this phrase is not necessarily true in all instances, it does have some validity. We are aware that there are instances wherein because of one’s biological make
up one is hindered from being able to participate in the procreative process, but again, that’s the exception and not the rule.
Given the fact that there are men because of their biological make up are not able to participate in the procreative process and there are still others who elect not to assume the role at least from a biological standpoint, there are still others who have
assumed the role of participant in the procreative process. As a result of one’s role in this
process, one has become a parent.
Does that make one a father simply because one has actually been a participant in the procreative process? I would say yes and no. I would say yes by the mere fact that one was an active participant in the procreative process, it at least qualifies one to be a father. But that in and of itself does not necessarily mean that all who participate are
actively or have actively assumed the role of father in the life of a child or children.
There are countless stories of families headed by single parents who happen to be mothers. Now, again, there are exceptions to any rule and we are aware that there are also stories where we have privy to situations where families are headed by a single
parent who happens to a father. Regardless of whether one is the sole caregiver, in a dual role with another party or simply serving in this capacity from afar, being a father carries a big task.
Persons who are fortunate enough to have participated in the procreative process have received a blessing from God. This should not be taken lightly. Even those who did not participate in the procreative process but have an opportunity to assume the role of caregiver in the life of a child should also feel blessed.
Knowing the above mentioned and acting on them are two different things. One may be fully aware of the blessing that one has privy to by being a parent figure, but still not carry out that role in a manner that’s in line with what God would have for the parent
figure or child. Unfortunately, children do not come with a how to manual. Almost everything that we have in this life has some instructions, but while entering this life, I have never heard of a baby exiting its mother’s womb with a manual in its hand that gives
instruction as to how the child should be reared.
Therefore, most of what one learns about child rearing is learned on the job. If it is not learned on the job, it was learned by observing how someone else chose to rear a child. Either way, it still presents a major challenge and task for all parent figures and in
particular today for fathers.
Our scripture verse today leads us to see that one is deemed righteous if one walks in integrity. That is if one displays characteristics that are positive. It also gives us the message that if one does exemplify positive characteristics one will help influence others in this life.
I would hope that any one who has ever assumed the role of parent figure would want to positively influence one’s offspring or child under one’s sphere of influence.
But, that’s an idealistic viewpoint that does not always play itself out. For many reasons, what should be idealistic does not occur and often the counter happens. If and when this does happen the child or children exposed to negative interaction is being short changed.
Notice how the end of the verse read stipulates that the children are blessed as a result of how one walks. Yes, fathers, one’s daily nteraction actually plays a role in the life of a child.
Anyone in their right mind would want the best for a child in this life and I am sure this is why father’s are willing to make the needed sacrifices that are made daily for one’s family. It’s a big task, with big rewards. Think back fathers to the first time you heard your child or children say their first words. Or, what about the time you heard them
say “Daddy?” Do you recall how you felt when your child did something positive that drew attention to them and all knew you could see your smile from ear to ear?
That child or those children don’t get to where they are in life by themselves. Again, its a big task fathers, but well worth the rewards.
Think about how you as a child of God can positively influence the life of your child or children. Think about the seeds of optimism that you have been given an opportunity to plant in the younger stages of your child or children lives. Simply think about the fact that the child or those children have you as a guide for them in the earliest stages of their lives and whatever model is exhibited before them they are almost certain to take on some of the characteristics.
Biological fathers and other father figures, today is your day to be thankful for the role that God has given you. It is also a day for you to be recognized for your contribution not only to your child or children but also to all under your sphere of influence in this life.
Because it is a big task with great rewards, some fathers may need some encouragement and not only encouragement but also guidance. No, that child or wife did not come with a how to manual, but thank God for what we do have privy to.
When all else fails, God’s written word is always in place. Whatever the issue, there is a solution in God’s word. Fathers, take heart today and enjoy yourselves with family and friends.
All fathers are encouraged to live righteous lives and that lifestyle cannot help but produce positive fruit within the minds and actions of one’s child or children. They in turn will be blessed because of what they were exposed to. Fathers, it’s your day today.
Feel good about the role that you have in making a difference in the lives of others!
For the fathers who can’t see themselves as idealistic role models. If for some reason you feel like you have fallen short of God’s expectations for you as a father. I say to you, there is still hope. If you have not handled your role properly, there is hope.
God is still ready to lead and guide. Although it may take lots of work to repair those fragmented relationships, its a task that should be undertaken with the knowledge that God is with you. What’s done is done. It can’t be undone, but what is to come can
definitely be different.
The rewards are not mentioned here. But as we consider all of the positive things that can occur as a result of a father’s love and nurture within a family, many things come to mind.
This is the assurance that one has done what was right in the sight of God and humanity regarding one’s role. There is also the assurance that any good or positive influence that comes from a father will help a child or children in the future.
Let’s not forget the greatest reward of all, that is the opportunity to receive eternal life as a result of faithful with what God has given one.
Fathers, it is a task to be a good father, but the if one has a positive attitude and seeks God’s face, one will also see rewards of one’s labor both in this life and in the life to come.
