Father’s Day 2022

When I was a kid in the late ’50s and early ’60s, we watched a TV show called, “Father Knows Best.” The lead role was played by Robert Young who spoke with authority, wisdom, and also compassion. He had the solution to every problem. He was the ideal father.

Imagine such a show being on TV today. The image of fathers has fallen into disrepute. With so many absentee, delinquent, and abusive men, our respect for fatherhood has diminished. Also, the media and silly sitcoms often tend to portray dad as a bumbling idiot.

While some men have been guilty of tarnishing the image of fatherhood, and sadly some men think they’re a woman trapped in a man’s body, we are blessed with many wonderful fathers today. They are good men seeking to be God’s man and serve the needs of their families.

On this Father’s Day, we salute such men who are following the Biblical instruction and ideal of fatherhood. They are spiritual leaders. Good providers. Teachers of their children. Imparters of wisdom. Godly influencers. And all the while loving their wife and children, unselfishly, sacrificially, and unconditionally.

Men, while the world may demean fatherhood, both the Bible and recent research reveal the important role of Dads in the home. In The Secrets Men Keep, Ken Druck and James Simmons reveal six major secrets men have. Topping the list is that “men secretly yearn for their father’s love and approval.” Whether consciously or subconsciously this desire is a driving force behind many men trying to prove themselves. The authors add this insight. “It may surprise us to know that the most powerful common denominator influencing men’s lives today is the relationship we had with our fathers …. “

The brokenness of so many delinquent young men today can be traced to absentee fathers. Children long for the father’s acceptance, approval, appreciation, affection, availability, and the presence of a male authority figure in their life.

Although preaching the gospel is a great calling, I have always liked what one father said, “Having kids is the ultimate job in life. I want to be most successful at being a good father.” It’s become almost a proverb and cliche, “Nobody on their deathbed has ever said, ‘I wish I had spent more time at the office’.”

An unknown author defined fathers this way. “Dad: A son’s first hero, a daughter’s first love.” Don’t dismiss that notion as old-fashioned sentimentality.

Today, we celebrate and salute fathers who are seeking to be led by and molded in the image of our Heavenly Father. May God bless you all.

Happy Father’s Day!

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman