Mothers, what comes to mind when you think about your children's fathers? Are they pleasant thoughts or thoughts of hatred? Do the thoughts make you angry? If the father is in the home, do you wish he was gone? If he is not in the home, do you hope he stays gone?
The role of the father is so significant in the lives of our children especially those who have accepted Jesus as Savior. If you really think about it, the relationship that our children have with their earthly fathers have a bearing on the extent of their relationship with God the Father. If a father never keeps his promise, never communicates, never shows compassion, never hugs, never protects, never is around, and never shows any love, then a child's perception of a father is going to be messed up. So when Jesus tells the children to pray by saying, "Our Father…", it is difficult because when children think of a father, they think of their earthly father and see God the Father through the image of the earthly father. Fathers can help the situation by loving their children unconditionally as God so loved the world. Then, as they grow older, they will understand more clearly that nothing can separate them from the love of the Father in heaven because His love, just as earthly fathers' love, has no strings attached.
Unfortunately, in many cases the father plays only a small role in the lives of our young boys and girls. What has happened is that many of the fathers are not living in the same homes with their children and the mothers are playing both the role of both father and mother. And in some cases, the father is in the home, but the mother still has to play dual roles. So as our children pray or consider the image of God, their view is somewhat distorted because of the absence or inactivity of their fathers in the homes.
Mothers, I want you to consider the role you are playing in the involvement of your children's fathers in their lives. Are you being an obstacle or stumbling block? Are you keeping your sons and daughters from getting to know their fathers because of unforgiveness or bitterness because of how you have been mistreated?
Fathers, are you ignoring the pleas from your children's mothers to get involved in their lives while they are young? Are you sitting on your hands and not lifting a finger to physically, emotionally, and spiritually provide for your children? Are you the cause for the distorted perception of our Father in heaven because of your inactivity in the lives of your children?
Whatever the case may be, it's time parents for us to lay aside our disagreements, dislikes, and dissatisfaction for the salvation of the next generation. It does not matter if you are living under the same roof or under separate roofs. Our children need both a mother figure and father figure in their lives. And biological fathers, you have the sole responsibility to train up your children. Don't give it up to a grandfather, uncle, cousin, preacher or deacon. No one can give a child the assurance they need like the unconditional love of a father. That is what many of our children missing and searching for but yet are falling short.
Fathers, let's step up.
That the next generation will know God...
