Statistics provide one dimension of the ‘state of fathering’. Twenty-five percent of kids grow up in a home without a biological, step or adoptive father per the U.S. Census Bureau. These kids are often referred to as father-less and negative outcomes such as poor academic performance, behavioral problems and teen pregnancy result.
Another dimension of the ‘state of fathering’ has to do with the 75% of kids that are growing up in a home with their father. The good news is that dad is present. The better news is that Faithful Fathering and the Church can meet fathers where they are and equip them to improve in their state of fathering – to be intentional with their presence, engage emotionally and lead spiritually. Positive outcomes such as good academic performance, less inclination to give in to peer pressure and generally being more confident in their own skin result.
Jesus said, “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our home with them. … All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” – John 14:23, 25-26. Referring to kids as ‘fatherless’ is ridiculous at best and emotionally scarring at worst. A father’s absence can be the outcome of many different scenarios but every child has a biological father and a Heavenly Father. Reconciliation after years of separation from a biological father can provide comfort and help heal emotional wounds. Unfortunately, sometimes the dad is not as receptive as the child might have hoped and the wounds go deeper. In this passage, Jesus says, “…My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our home with them.” Wow! All have a Heavenly Father! And He is ready, willing and able to meet every child of His, young and old, where they are and provide them with His book for guidance in this life. As one that never met his biological father, this passage and several others met me where I was as a man, husband and father, and encouraged me to start the journey called Faithful Fathering. Twenty-five years later, the journey continues but now there are several studies that have been developed to help meet dads where they are and equip them to improve their state of fathering - to be intentional with their presence, engage emotionally and lead spiritually.
Be encouraged and equipped to improve your State of Fathering. Complete one of the studies below on your own or with a battle buddy:
- Dad’s Armor study, click HERE;
- Dads Becoming Heroes, click HERE;
- Nehemiah Initiative, click HERE.
Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for Your Word and the promise to make Your home with me. I confess I was so busy trying to do dad better than my dad that I failed to recognize You as my Heavenly Father. Forgive me. I know now that as I get to know You and work to emulate You, I will honor You and improve my state of fathering. I commit to be intentional with my physical presence, engage emotionally and lead spiritually. That is the dad You call me to be, and that’s the dad my kids need to see. Amen.
A faithful father is committed to improve his state of fathering.
