As you might expect, June is my favorite month of the year because it is Father’s Day month. So even though this blog is being posted a few days after Father's Day, I want to issue this reminder for all men - dads, adoptive dads and spiritual fathers, as to how important a father is. Our Heavenly Father shares the moniker ‘father’ with us because He expects us to represent Him well in family. The charge is to embrace this high calling and honor Him. Commit this day to step forward and accept the charge.

THIS FATHER’S DAY, June 19th, 2022, I accept the charge as a faithful father to move forward with a renewed mind, grounded in scripture and the three tenants of Faithful Fathering. I will:

1. Prioritize my physical presence in the home and with family. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning … The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. John 1:1-2, 14. Just as God thought it important for His Son to be physically present in this world, the charge for an earthly father to represent the Heavenly Father well by embracing the importance of physical presence in family.
2. Be engaged emotionally with my wife and kids. "If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth." – John 14:15-17. Jesus anticipated emotional distractions long before 150 cable channels, cell phones, texting, radio and newspapers, not to mention other worries, frustrations and discouragement. In the power of the resurrected Christ and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the charge is to rebuke distractions and engage emotionally in family.
3. Lead spiritually by example. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2. Paul warns of the world’s seduction to conformance, the path of least resistance. The charge is to lead spiritually by standing firm against worldly influences. Do not conform to cultural pressure but be transformed by time in scripture, prayer and spiritual discussions in the home between Sundays.

As a faithful father, I accept the charge to:
    Prioritize my physical presence,
        be engaged emotionally, and
             lead spiritually by example.
(Click HERE to download a pdf of FF’s Father’s Day charge)

Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for the many gifts and blessings in my life, may I never take them for granted. Thank You for the opportunity to reflect You in my home, specifically Your triune nature as a faithful father – to be present physically, engaged emotionally and lead spiritually. Strengthen me to accept responsibility for the opportunity You offer, to step forward and accept the Father’s Day charge. That is the dad You call me to be, and that is the dad my kids need to see. Amen.

A faithful father commits to step forward and accept the Father’s Day charge.