Dads, We Need You!

"Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.” Colossians 3:21 NLT. This does not seem like the best verse to start an article about encouraging fathers on this special day. Today we want to celebrate fathers as they are such a critical part of the Kingdom of God. No matter what the world tries to tell us about gender or gender identification here is the fact; for every 105 boys that are born, there are 100 girls in the same sample size. Dad‘s start off as little boys and have a very critical biblical part to fulfill....their God-given responsibility of rearing of their children that includes the training, modeling, and continuation of moral and ethical family behavior. There are so many different statistics on the importance of a two-parent family I could spend the rest of the article just quoting different statistics. Great applause goes out to all the single moms and dads that raise their children. We know they can and will be successful when they have put the Lord first in their life. The influence of fathers on society can clearly be seen in what’s happening in our world right now. It is very difficult to even discuss these facts because someone might read these observations and surmise that I am somehow prejudiced. Every race group has verifiable statistics showing where fathers are absent...the children suffer, especially the sons. Don’t forget sons become fathers. With all of the unrest just two hours south of here in Minneapolis, the need for Godly fathers is so important. The tragic murder of George Floyd left more children without a father. The looting and chaos which followed this event is just proof positive of what happens when fathers are not present in the home. The current statistic for African-American homes is over 62% of all children under the age of 18 grow up in a home without a dad present. My figure is purposely lower than what some are reporting so that I would not be accused of exaggerating a number that’s already alarming. Focus on the Family did a study several years ago and reported where a mother brought children to church, of all races, about 50-65% would continue to attend church after they became adults. When a father takes his children to church the number jumps to about 80% that continue to attend. Dads, don't aggravate your children but be Godly examples for them to follow. We celebrate you today fathers, of ALL races, you’re so important on this day when we honor you. Here is a great thought to end on! “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NLT