Fathers Are Image Bearers of God

Patriarchy System

Many cultures around the world have a patriarchy system that holds men in high regard as a part of that culture’s social structure. This social structure of patriarchy is defined as one of dominance over women and children. These structures ascribe special privileges to men in which they have autonomy, control and dominance. Furthermore, through the years, these structures have become a dangerous ideology in many cultures exerting undue oppression on people. All we have to do is look around our world and we will find oppressive systems in place no matter the arena. And these oppressive systems have been protected for such a long time making any form of reasonable dialogue a lofty goal. In fact, these oppressive patriarchy systems seem to derive their purpose and meaning in life by how strong they can exert their oppression. 

Heart of the Creator

These worldly patriarchy systems are not similar to the heart of the Creator- the One Who made man in His own image. The Bible is very clear on the intent and motivation of God’s heart for His creation. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life.” This is the heart of a Father- one of love, deep care that is aligned with His actions. As we look to celebrate Father’s Day, we have this model of God the Father exemplified here on earth by men everywhere who have come to know this heavenly Father’s love and grace in their own lives and expressly live Him out to their families, workplace, churches, communities, state, nation and globally. 

History of Father’s Day

When we dive into the history of Father’s Day, one will be intrigued to know that the nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. It wasn’t until Mother’s Day became official that Father’s Day became a recognized day of celebration. In fact, it took fifty-eight years later for Father’s Day to be official. God’s heart for the human race (and science knows this well), let us know that God deliberately set up His plan of procreation to include both male and female- in essence both Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are equally important to God. It’s not one or the other, since both are required to bring forth life. A woman (has a womb) cannot carry life without the seed cell from the man. Genesis 1: 27-28 explains this well, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them (male and female). And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Who Is on His Side

In a time where there is hot debate on God’s plan for His creation, and people are asked to pick a side, it is important to know what pleases God and what doesn’t. This is not about sitting on the fence. When it comes to God, His plans and His kingdom, it is a matter of total allegiance to God, His Word, His heart, His ways and His plans. God doesn’t want any distractions in our commitment to Him. Despite any earthly experiences we may have had, God says, fathers are important to His Kingdom purposes and mothers are important to His Kingdom purposes. Let’s choose to be on God’s side. The last we checked, God was the One that made the sun rise in the morning all over the world; and He did not forget to make the sun set in the evening in like manner. 

Image Bearers of God

Fathers have a uniqueness that is unmatched about imparting identity to their children. They do this well through their constant guidance, mentorship, and coaching. This is exactly who God made them to be. From their love to see their children thrive in life, to their deep care of providing for their families; fathers have the big responsibilities as image bearers of God. So, not only on this Father’s Day, we celebrate our fathers as image bearers of God. Happy Father’s Day!