This Friday we had our Father's Day breakfast right here at the College, and let me tell you, it was a blast watching so many students having a great time with their dads! But let's not forget, this is not everyone's experience. There are students who don't have a dad, some have fathers that are MIA, and, there are even those stuck with dads who are, less than awesome. What does Father's Day even mean for them?
I had a complex relationship with my father and for many years Fathers Day seemed forced as I was reminded of what was broken. It was my faith in Christ that kept me going while I learned to love my father all over again. It was during this process that I realised that, as a Christian, I had two fathers – my biological father and my Father in heaven.
Let me boast of about my Father in Heaven for a bit…
My Father loves me and is always available.
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. (John 14:23)
My Father never asks things of me that he would not do himself.
44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:44-48)
I have a Father who knows me better than I know myself. He knows the difference between what need and what I want – even when I do not.
For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. (Matt 6:8)
With all these things in mind, I want to live my life in a way that makes my father proud.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:16)
It is easier to do life when you have this type of father backing you all the way.
When I became a dad myself, I made it a point to teach my children the Bible. My hope was that they would develop their faith and get access to the blessings that I personally didn't experience until later in life. I want my kids to have two dads.
How many fathers do you have?