The Blessing of a Father

The meaning of fatherhood came home to me when I first held my newborn daughter in my
arms. She was so tiny, so beautiful, and so completely dependent on her mother and me for
everything she needed. From that moment on, my entire perspective on life shifted from what was best for me and my wife, and I began thinking and preparing for our daughter’s future. I was somewhat prepared for this change, but I was completely surprised when fatherhood transformed how I understood my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

It still amazes me that this is how God chooses to relate to His people: as a Father. Each of us is not merely one of the eight billion people alive on Earth today, He knows our names. He keeps track of where we go, just like dads keep tabs on their newly licensed-to-drive teenagers. He understands our thoughts, even the thoughts we are too timid or ashamed to voice aloud to others. And He responds every time we cry out to Him. Yes, the God who created the universe cares for his followers like a father shows unconditional love for his children.

God created fathers for blessing, for protection, and for guidance. In I Corinthians 4:15, the
Apostle Paul writes “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”

Here Paul is reminding the believers in Corinth of an important difference between teachers and fathers. A teacher’s primary concern is passing on knowledge to students. Once that information has been successfully transmitted, their task is complete; although, the most dedicated teachers can motivate students to excel in a particular subject or a talent.

But fathers are more concerned about shaping their children’s character and preparing them for the challenges of life. So they instruct children by their words and their examples. Fathers do not merely teach, they demonstrate godly living, over and over, in all situations. Fathers invest in the lives and futures of their children with the currency of time. Paul writes in I Thessalonians 2:8, “we loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s good news but our own lives as well.” In fact. fathers are so vital to our growth and development that God Himself promises to be a Father to those who do not have one. “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows – this is God, whose dwelling is holy.” (Psalm 68:5).

Let’s remember to honor and appreciate the fathers in our lives, both the natural and spiritual fathers, and be especially grateful to our Heavenly Father who has adopted all who believe in Jesus into His family and calls us sons and daughters.