The Spiritual Meaning of Fatherhood
In researching how Father’s Day came about, I found an article on history.com. The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, but only in the state of Washington. It was not until 1972 after “President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States.” It took longer to gain momentum for an official “Father’s Day” because fathers just don’t have the same sentimental appeal as mothers do. A woman was actually the person who worked hard to ensure fathers were celebrated in the same way that mothers were. Fathers are just as important as mothers.
Fatherhood is a divine calling, deeply rooted in God’s plan. Afterall, God created man and woman and told them to be fruitful and multiply. The song, ‘Good, Good Father,” by Chris Tomlin reminds us of our first Father and how He is there for us. God provides a great role model for our earthly fathers. Fathers are there to love, support, encourage and teach. This pertains to all aspects of life including spiritual responsibility. We can relate the role of our earthly father to the role of our Heavenly Father. In that role He protects, guides, loves and teaches us to be in relationship with God.
Who Are the Fathers?
The concept of fatherhood goes beyond just biological fathers. There are many times men step up and become father figures for children who do not have their biological father. Some of these roles include adoptive fathers, stepfathers, spiritual fathers, uncles and other men who are just present in a caring and actively supportive way.
Fatherhood is a role anyone can step into, regardless of circumstance. You need to be committed and be aware that you are being watched. Two scriptures come into mind that demonstrate this:
Psalm 103:13 – “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” (usccb.org)
Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.” (usccb.org)
Who God Created Fathers to Be
Remember that fathers are a reflection of God’s love, wisdom, and guidance. Knowing this, along with knowing who God created you to be, will help men to understand their role as father. God created you to be unique. All fathers are not the same. Fathers are called to be leaders, providers, protectors, and teachers in the family.
There are many ways to live these roles. For example, Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.” (usccb.org) This talks about their roles as leaders and teachers. Not only do fathers explain and teach about how a child should be, but they are a living role model. Children will mimic their actions as well as their words. They take notice of how the father treats other family members and other people. They notice how the father prioritizes his life, demonstrating what is most important.
Fathers are also counted on for leading spirituality. Fathers should always be leading their children to Christ. Again, like everything else, this is done in words and actions. Fathers can teach children how to pray and lead them in regular prayer. They should introduce them to church and their Heavenly Father jus as we are told in 1 Corinthians 4:15, “Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (usccb.org)
The Unique Role of Fathers in a Child’s Life
Allforkids.org shared results from research regarding fathers and the impact they had on the well-being of children in a blog called, ”A Father’s Impact on Child Development.” The research was conducted by The Fatherhood Project and the Father Engagement Program. The results were not at all surprising. They discussed the benefits of having a father present and what can occur in the absence of a father.
Positive Impact of Fathers
Focusing on the positives, research shows:
- Fathers and infants can build a bond just like mothers and infants do.
- Father involvement is linked to improved weight gain in preterm infants and higher breastfeeding rates. Amazing!
- Fathers who parent lovingly with clear boundaries and expectations create better emotional, academic, social, and behavioral outcomes for children.
- Children who are close to their father are twice as likely to enter college or find stable employment after high school.
- Fathers are crucial in child development.
- It is the quality of the father-child relationship that matters more than the hours spent together.
- There is a correlation between high levels of involvement in a child’s life by the father and higher levels of sociability, confidence, and self-control in children.
- Children with actively involved fathers are 43% more likely to earn A’s and 33% less likely to repeat a grade than those without engaged dads.
- Father engagement reduces behavioral problems in boys and decreases delinquency and economic disadvantage in low-income families.
- Having father engagement reduces psychological problems and depression rates in young women.
The Spiritual Impact of Fathers
Focus on The Family in their online article, “Fathers Matter: The Importance of a Father,” talks about a lot of the same things, but also adds a bit about spirituality. A father’s love shapes a child’s perception of God’s love. Fathers can bring foundation and direction through consistent prayer and reading of scripture with their family. As someone the child looks up to, share with them why you love God. Let them know that a relationship with God is natural. Make God relatable in their life.
Phrases of Gratitude for Fathers
On this Father’s day, if you are wanting to give a special gift to your father or a father figure that you cannot buy in stores, offer a heartfelt, short phrase of appreciation. Tell them. As well, you can print it with a special picture. Here are some ideas:
- Thank you for being a constant source of love and strength.
- Your wisdom and guidance are gifts that keep on giving.
- Your sacrifice and care are a reflection of God’s love in our lives.
- We are grateful for your unwavering support and encouragement.
You can also use these phrases to inspire reflection and gratitude.
Inspiration and Motivation for Fathers
Fathers, I encourage you to continually grow in your faith. Work on Yourself to become the best version of yourself as a gift for your children. Your influence extends for generations to come. What you teach your children today will be shared for many, many more years to come. Express love to your child. Give hugs out freely. Let them know you will always be there for them. Show them that you understand and appreciate their God-given value. Demonstrate for them what it is to be a laborer for Christ. Every day, especially during hard times, remember that life is a faith journey and you are called to live out grace every day.
Pray these scriptures when you need encouragement:
Proverbs 4:23 , “With all vigilance guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life.” (usccb.org)
Joshua 1:9 , “I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.” (usccb.org)
A Father’s Legacy
A father’s love, care and leadership leave an eternal impact on children. This impact leaves a legacy of who the child is and who they will become because of their father. A father’s role is a vital and powerful one in shaping the future because children are our future.
Fathers (and father figures), reflect on your own spiritual journey and embrace your role with gratitude and purpose. Are you making the impact you want to have on your children?
*I dedicate this post to my father who passed away this year and to my husband, the father of my children.
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