Fathers

What is the biggest crisis facing families today? Many feel that it is the failure of fathers to fulfill their God-given roles. In fact, according to a recent report issued by the National Center for Fathering, 72.2% of Americans believe that fatherlessness is “the most significant family or social problem facing America.”

The evidence about the influence of fathers on their children is overwhelming. A survey of more than 20,000 parents found that when fathers are involved in their children’s education, “children were more likely to get A’s, enjoy school, and participate in extracurricular activities and less likely to have repeated a grade.” Even one-year-olds with fathers who were involved were “less likely to cry, worry, or disrupt play than other one-year-olds whose fathers were less involved.”

The Bible tells us that the family unit was designed by God, and that the health of the family depends on every person fulfilling his or her role. The role of the man is particularly central, as a husband and as a father. Yet, tragically, millions of men today are failing to fulfill their role.

Fathers need to understand the impact they can have on the lives of their children and their wives. Paul warned fathers not to aggravate their children, or they might become so discouraged that they quit trying.

If you are a father, seek to become more involved in the lives of your children. “Don’t aggravate” them. Make sure to pray for the fathers in your nation. Our families urgently need men who fulfill the role God designed for them.