Much of what is wrong with our country can be directly linked to the fathers of the children growing up over the past forty years. Sadly, fathers have abdicated their family responsibilites to teachers, day care workers, church leaders, and to their spouses. The socioeconomic consequence of this lack of intimate involvement is evident in poverty rates, crime, literacy, teenage pregnancy, drug usage, and other unfortunate consequences plaguing our society.
So, what is the answer? The Bible, of course. Found in those pages are time-proven traits of a great father and how a father should lead his family. In my studies, I have found twenty-two Biblical traits of a great father. They are: fair, watchful, compassionate, loving, forgiving, giving, honorable, wise, healing, trusting, kind, unashamed, gentle, eager, seeking, nonjudgemental, prayerful, teaching, honest, integrity, funny, and firm.
Look at the story found in Luke 15:11-24. We commonly call this the story of the prodical son. Actually, a more accurate title would be ‘the story of the excellent father.’ Read these verses and notice the actions of the father toward his son. The father takes all the action of watching, going, hugging, giving, kissing, welcoming, etc. I have counted twelve proactive actions the father took in welcoming home his son. Can you find them?
What makes a great father? I believe the answer is simple — the man willing to follow God’s design for the role of the father in the family.
Only fathers can change the direction of our country!
