WHO IS A FATHER
WHO IS A FATHER
What makes you a father is not just because you can procreate biological children, no, it’s deeper than that. Before Abraham began to have children, he was named the father of nations. God called him the father of many nations before his two biological children were born. Not only that, he had raised and trained three hundred able men who were able to fight war. Therefore, just having children does not confirm that you hold the title of a father; you must possess the qualities below. F. A. T. H. E. R, as an acronym, speaks volumes.
- FAITHFUL
The letter F that starts the word father stands for faithfulness If you are not a faithful man, you are not qualified to be called a father; you are not a candidate in this institution. A faithful man in every sphere of life is someone who can be honored with the title of a ‘father’ what makes you a faithful father begins with being faithful to your wife. Proverbs 20:6-7 Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. Faithfulness in little things before you get to the bigger issues. If you’re not faithful in relating to other friends and colleagues, you may not be faithful in marriage. Abraham was proven to be faithful in all that God asked him to do therefore, he was renamed the Father of Nations. Let your faithfulness speak of your fatherhood.
- ADORABLE
Who is an adorable person? A loving and lovable person is someone who is loved for their golden heart. When people sing your praises, are they doing so because they have been forced to do it? No! It shouldn’t be. In your actions, do you display empathy? Can someone cry on your shoulder? Job 29:11-16 When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me: Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. What it testimony of an adorable man that is worthy of the honour of fatherhood.
- TEACHER
Letter T stands for teacher. A father is a teacher; he must be able to teach his children and his household the right path in life. According to Deut. 6:6-7 “ And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. One of the duties of fathers, as God commanded in His word, is not only to teach what he has read but using his life as an example for his children to learn. What will you teach your children if you do not have testimonies of your walk with God.
When Jesus was on Earth, He was being referred to as TEACHER or RABBI, as the KJV puts it, the young ruler called Him a good teacher, which means they are bad teachers as well. Mark 10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? Father, as the head of the home, must be able to teach his children and his household how to respect God and to walk in His ways. Do you teach your children how to respect others and to be diligent? Do you teach them integrity? Whatever you teach your children today is the legacy that you are leaving behind.
- HONOURABLE
A father is expected to be an honorable man. A man who is admired for his display of honesty, integrity, and strong moral principles. If you are a father, you should be the pride of your children, your name should be able to open doors for them, and not shut doors against them. Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. Your name should be preferred then silver and gold, you will be a father indeed. The essence of Father’s Day is to bestow honor on our fathers, but you must earn the prize by your display of wisdom and not be partial in judgment.
- ENCOURAGER
A father is someone who can encourage his children to do well and offer his shoulder for them to climb up. How many people have you raised, how many people have you helped to overcome challenges on their parts to greatness, and how many people have you supported to achieve their goals? Have you been able to help those children around you to build their confidence and take a giant leap that can launch them into their greater future? If you have, then you are a father. If you do not, even if you have biological children, you are not a father. As a father, you should have faith in others’ potential and ability through your constructive contributions. Be a dream builder and do not provoke your children to wrath, as stated in the scriptures. Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
- ROLE MODEL.
The last letter of the word father stands for role model. This fits perfectly because, as a father, you must be a model of all that has been outlined above. Who is a role model? A role model is someone who can reproduce himself in others. A role model is someone who can say what Apostle Paul said, 1 Corinthians 4:15-16 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. Paul, as a spiritual father, can authoritatively say that because he is following Christ, his role model. Can you boldly tell your children to be like you? This is a question we should keep asking ourselves as fathers.
Be a model as an encourager, a model in honors, a model as a teacher, in being faithful, and be a good reference.