In the book of Colossians, nestled in the back of the New Testament, there is a verse that carries a simple yet challenging message for fathers. Just as Marine Corps commercials captivate our attention and call individuals to something greater, fathers are being urged to embrace biblical manhood and fatherhood. In a society plagued by absent and uninvolved fathers, it is time to rise above the negative statistics and answer the call to be the few, the humble—the biblical fathers our families desperately need. Colossians 3:21 explores the essence of biblical fatherhood, the importance of being a man of faith, and the command to avoid exasperating our children.
Biblical Fatherhood: Protector, Provider, Priest, and Prophet
To understand biblical fatherhood, we must go beyond the mere definition of being a male parent. Voddie Bauckham’s statement beautifully captures the multifaceted role of a father: the protector, the provider, the priest, and the prophet. A biblical father is called to be the guardian of his home, ensuring its safety and well-being. He assumes the responsibility of meeting the needs of his family, not just materially but also emotionally and spiritually. Like a priest, he brings the concerns of his household before God, faithfully interceding through prayer. Moreover, he serves as a prophet, speaking the truth from God to his family. Embracing these roles requires a man to be rooted in biblical principles and to lead his family accordingly.
Biblical Manhood: Following the Example of Christ
Before delving deeper into biblical fatherhood, it is essential to understand the essence of biblical manhood. The world often portrays distorted images of what it means to be a man, emphasizing independence, toughness, and objectification of women. However, true manhood aligns with Christ’s example. A biblical man is not self-reliant to the point of isolation; rather, he acknowledges his need for God and seeks a relationship with Him. He is honest with himself and others, owning his mistakes and displaying humility. Strength for a man lies not in physical prowess alone but in relying on the Lord’s strength, standing firm in faith, and loving sacrificially. In essence, a real man follows Jesus, spending time in His presence, studying His Word, and emulating His character.
Nurturing a Faith-Filled Environment: Teaching and Mentoring
One of the significant responsibilities of a biblical father is to create a faith-filled environment within the family. Children learn by observation and experience, and fathers play a crucial role in imparting spiritual truths and values. Teaching and mentoring go hand in hand in this process. Fathers must actively engage in teaching their children about God’s Word, helping them understand biblical principles, and demonstrating how to apply them in daily life. Additionally, fathers should serve as mentors, walking alongside their children, offering guidance, wisdom, and support as they navigate life’s challenges. By investing time and energy into nurturing their children’s faith, fathers establish a firm foundation that will impact future generations.
The Command: Avoiding Exasperation of Children
Colossians 3:21 presents a crucial command directly addressing fathers: “Do not exasperate your children.” This command serves as a reminder to fathers not to abuse their God-given authority within the family. While society may attempt to dissociate authority from manhood, it is important to recognize the inherent connection between the two. God has entrusted fathers with a position of authority, which, when used correctly, fosters trust and obedience from their children. However, this authority must be exercised with love, grace, and understanding. Fathers should avoid provoking their children to anger or discouragement through harsh words, unrealistic expectations, or favoritism. Instead, they should cultivate an environment of love, affirmation, and encouragement, allowing their children to grow.
Next Steps for Biblical Fathers
In a world where biblical fatherhood is often undervalued or misunderstood, it is crucial for fathers to rise above societal norms and embrace their God-given roles. True biblical fatherhood encompasses being a protector, provider, priest, and prophet within the home. It involves embodying biblical manhood, following the example of Christ, and leading with love, humility, and strength. Moreover, biblical fathers have the responsibility to nurture a faith-filled environment, teaching and mentoring their children to walk in the ways of the Lord. They can do this by cultivating their own faith, taking tangible actions like reading their Bibles and serving at church, and setting an example for their children. By doing so, fathers create a legacy that extends beyond their lifetime, impacting future generations. This legacy is further nurtured when fathers actively pour into their children, coaching them through hardships and speaking words of encouragement to them as they grow. The call to biblical fatherhood may feel like a high call, but it starts by taking these small, tangible steps every day. This is how dads become the fathers their families need and the Christ-like figures that Colossians speaks of.
