“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching” (Prov. 4:1-2).

Fatherhood has become a lost art in many homes these days. Gone are the days when fathers were fathers; when fathers inspired discipline and brought direction and stability to their homes. Those were the days when the holy covenant of marriage was a condition for fatherhood. Having been groomed by their own fathers and instructed in the discipline and requirements of manhood, they were ready to father others. Those were days when fathers taught their sons as they worked the fields, sat under trees to share stories embedded with principles of life, and practically demonstrated before their children, the honor of responsible fatherhood. Unfortunately, such fathers have become endangered these days. Any man can now carry his gun and carelessly shoot game with no sense of responsibility; and yet, call himself a father.

Too many men have never established their own homes, with divine mandate and authority to lead their children as fathers. Many have abandoned their homes and endowed their wives with the double honor of mother/father. Many more are on the road too much of the time to be able to bear any influence on their children’s upbringing. There are still many in homes who are morally disqualified to lift the rod of discipline. And then, there are the docile ones who have been weakened by the tyranny of their wives to even suggest a corrective measure in the home. If only these men would wake up to their responsibilities as fathers, much blessing would come upon their homes to make the world better.

Nevertheless, there is the ultimate father we celebrate today. He is the man who loves, and cares for his children. He instructs them in the way of the Lord and teaches them His commands and principles of righteous living (Prov. 4:1-2). He leads his family, not only in devotions at the family altar (Deut. 6:7), but as an example in practical living (1Cor. 11:1). He directs and guides the agenda of his home and leads his children to prosperous living as their shepherd (Ps. 23:2). He exhorts them to live above the world and to glorify God with the talents and gifts He has graciously bestowed upon them. Not only that, the ultimate father carefully encourages his children to live in pursuit of holiness (1Pt. 1:16); and to be heavenly minded and focused in everything (Col. 3:1-2). He holds integrity as a banner over their lives (Dan. 6:4).

To insure these qualities, the ultimate father we celebrate today does not shy away from parental discipline. He firmly but lovingly applies the rod of discipline in every area of his children’s lives, upholding the truth of Hebrews 12:11. He does not shield his children from hardship. He allows God to use it to train and discipline His children (Lk.15:11-24).

As a result of his presence in the home and his positive influence, the ideal father we celebrate today is able to bequeath to his children, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, long life, prosperity and the fear of God. He is able to do these things because, he is Faithful to God; Allows Christ to lead him; is Teachable; open to Hear from God; sincerely Examines himself in the mirror of God’s word; Respects truth and integrity; and Sets good examples for his children to follow.

God honors such men as FATHERS; and they are the men we celebrate today because they have become like their Father in heaven. So, where are you, fathers?

Happy Father’s Day!