This is an epidemic

"He must manage his own household well..."

1 Timothy 3:4a

A Recent Experience

I was recently on vacation in Orlando waiting to disembark the Hogwarts Express when I noticed a mother taking photos of her two young kids holding their Harry Potter wands. Suddenly, things went awry—the sister accidentally hit her brother in the eye with her wand. As it escalated and the mother tried to calm them down, the dad stood off to the side by the stroller. He never uttered a word or moved a muscle. He was physically there, but completely checked out.

An Epidemic

This isn't a rare occurrence. Fatherlessness is an epidemic eating away at our society, but here is the truth: a fatherless home and a home with a checked-out dad produce the exact same problems. Conversely, the presence of a God-focused father changes the trajectory of everyone in the household.

The question we must ask ourselves is simple: Are you present in your family’s life?

Active Participation

Genesis 1 commands man to have dominion over the earth, and 1 Timothy 3:4 states that a leader "must be one who manages his own household well." These are calls to active participation.

Providing food, clothes, and shelter are necessary provisions, but they are not the same as managing. Management requires showing up. It means going to games, leading family scripture study, creating time for intentional activities, and putting your phone down.

Every day, I see dads, moms, and kids distracted by their screens. I’m guilty of it too. It’s far too easy to let a glowing phone keep you from managing what matters most. But all hope is not lost—even Darth Vader was present in the end!

A Practical Note

This week, evaluate your calendar. Look for areas where you can step in as an active participant. Put your phone down and enjoy the family God has entrusted to you.

On a practical note, my wife and I recently implemented a device called "The Brick"—a tool that locks selected apps on your phone during set hours until you physically tap it against a block on your fridge. Now, my scrolling apps automatically shut off from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It’s remarkably easier to be present when distractions are removed.

Start managing today. Your family needs you fully present.

Thad Hardin

MD5 Facilitator