“Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
Daddy Deprivation
This is a new term in our society, but one that is having tremendous implications. However new it is, it is obvious what it means. The role of a dad has never been more important. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (NIV).
Negative Stats
The statistics are becoming alarming in regard to childhood depression, anxiety, and mental health issues. At the same time as these statistics are rising, the percentage of dads that are active in the home is declining.
Matt Chandler said, “Where men fill the purpose and design of men as the Bible has outlined it, humanity flourishes and where men refuse to step into the space that men are called to fill the world burns.” Over the last few months, we have watched this happen literally.
Headship
To fill this purpose, Christian men in the home have been given the task of providing “headship.” Headship, as defined by Matt Chandler, is “the unique leadership of men in the work of establishing order for human flourishing.” This headship applies in our church, culture at large, and in our homes. If men will fulfill the role of biblical headship, our families and children will flourish.
Challenge
So as a man, are you fulfilling that role of headship in your family? If you are not filling that role, pray that you would.
Pray that you can:
1. Accept responsibility for the role that God has called you to take in your family’s and specifically in your child’s life.
2. Reject passivity by putting down the phone/work email and take an active role in your child’s life.
3. Lead courageously in showing your children/wife the love, protection, and provision that God has called us to give them.
4. Invest eternally in your family, there is no greater investment to be made.
Learning Opportunity
I recommend the Breakpoint podcast by the Colson Center. They discuss the importance of fathers in the lives of their children, specifically boys.
Thad Hardin
MD5 Facilitator
Comentarios