by Lois Breneman - 2011 - Heart to Heart
The relationship a child has with his father greatly impacts his earliest concept of God. Whether the child's concept is positive or negative depends heavily on the father's influence. In the Bible fathers were known to be the supreme authoritative figures in their families. With just a word from the fathers, they could determine the fate of their offspring. We see example of good godly fathers in the Bible, as well as terrible examples.
Jesus must have known the tendency of many fathers to provoke their children, frustrating them, even causing them to lose trust in their daddies. Mostly it begins with playful fun, but can sometimes go too far. Tickling is an example. A child might be tickled to the point of desperation or helplessness. Even toddlers instinctively feel “tricked” when fathers provoke them to the point of anger, whether is may be through tickling or another way.
Just after Paul advises children in the sixth chapter of Ephesians to obey their parents in the Lord because it is right, he advises fathers not to provoke their children to wrath but to bring them up in the training and admonition to the Lord. Children need to be able to trust their fathers in every aspect of life, just as a child jumps into his father’s arms without any fear of being dropped. This trust needs to be carried out in every aspect of the father/child relationship.
Scripture also presents a tender side to fatherhood. Both Jacob and David expressed and displayed deep sorrow in the loss of their sons, Joseph and Absalom in Genesis 37:33-35 and II Samuel 13:35-39.
The relationship a child has with his father greatly impacts his earliest concept of God. Whether the child's concept is positive or negative depends heavily on the father's influence. In the Bible fathers were known to be the supreme authoritative figures in their families. With just a word from the fathers, they could determine the fate of their offspring. We see example of good godly fathers in the Bible, as well as terrible examples.
Jesus must have known the tendency of many fathers to provoke their children, frustrating them, even causing them to lose trust in their daddies. Mostly it begins with playful fun, but can sometimes go too far. Tickling is an example. A child might be tickled to the point of desperation or helplessness. Even toddlers instinctively feel “tricked” when fathers provoke them to the point of anger, whether is may be through tickling or another way.
Just after Paul advises children in the sixth chapter of Ephesians to obey their parents in the Lord because it is right, he advises fathers not to provoke their children to wrath but to bring them up in the training and admonition to the Lord. Children need to be able to trust their fathers in every aspect of life, just as a child jumps into his father’s arms without any fear of being dropped. This trust needs to be carried out in every aspect of the father/child relationship.
Scripture also presents a tender side to fatherhood. Both Jacob and David expressed and displayed deep sorrow in the loss of their sons, Joseph and Absalom in Genesis 37:33-35 and II Samuel 13:35-39.
Both Noah and Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, cared so much about their children that they followed God’s detailed direction in providing escapes for their children when danger was near (Genesis 7:5 and Matthew 2;13-23).
Even biblical fathers made big mistakes. Not one was perfect. Eli did not discipline his sons and their extremely wayward actions were far from being in accordance to godly sons (I Samuel 2:12 and 3:13). David certainly did not live an exemplary life before his children, sinning greatly, nor did he spend enough time with his children as recorded in II Samuel 12:13-14 and 24:10.
The best earthly father is one who has a close fellowship with the Heavenly Father through the daily reading of God’s Word where he can find His unlimited wisdom and instruction to live the life God wants him to live (Ephesians 5:15-20).
The best earthly father is one who has a close fellowship with the Heavenly Father through the daily reading of God’s Word where he can find His unlimited wisdom and instruction to live the life God wants him to live (Ephesians 5:15-20).
God's Word teaches fathers the importance of making their children feel wanted (Psalm 127:3-5).
They are told to instruct their children (Deut. 6:1-9; Prov. 4:1; and Prov. 6:20).
Fathers are instructed to train their children (Psalm 78:5-7; Prov. 22:6).
Fathers are told to correct their children (Prov. 13:24).
They are told to instruct their children (Deut. 6:1-9; Prov. 4:1; and Prov. 6:20).
Fathers are instructed to train their children (Psalm 78:5-7; Prov. 22:6).
Fathers are told to correct their children (Prov. 13:24).
The shelter and security given by the father should provide freedom for his children to grow and develop. Children need to be allowed to face challenges and tasks that teach responsibility, rather than being so overprotected.
A mother has an important part in fashioning a good father, by showing love, acceptance, and treating him with respect, a vital need of all men. By allowing and encouraging him to be the leader in the home, and not taking that role herself, she shows respect for his authority, rather than undermining it. The wife's encouragement, reflective interaction and supportive interest in her husband's role as the leader of the home make all the difference in the world to him, helping to build him up and make him a wonderful father, as well as a wonderful husband.
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