Who’s Your Dad?

As seen in the  "The Heartbeat" and published in the Hot Springs Village Voice

A few years ago, there was a popular song by country singer Toby Keith titled "Who’s Your Daddy?" Recently there has even been a television show and a video game by the same name. I can’t recommend the TV show or the game as I haven’t seen either. Nevertheless, the phrase caught on in society and was widely used whimsically.

Several decades ago there was a show that aired in the beginning of the great sitcom era called "Father Knows Best." A local insurance salesman balanced his business, civic duties, and the "Anderson" family needs quite well. His children would go to him for advice when things weren’t got rocky for them, or unsolicited advice was given when Dad found out about an issue. Usually that issue involved his oldest son, Bud. No matter what the need of the family, whether it was a dance recital, a baseball game, or an anniversary dinner with Mrs. Anderson, the Anderson patriarch always put the needs of the family above all others, including himself.

Many experts have given their opinions on the state of the family unit in America today. While they cite many reasons for the decline in the cohesiveness of the family, one sticks out in to me more than the others – the changing role of the father.

Is the father of today the same as it was in the 1950’s? Some would argue yes, but I emphatically say NO. While environmental factors have certainly changed, the role of a father remains the same: to give of himself to the family and placing their needs above his own.

There is another reason I say a father’s role hasn’t changed and that is our example has not changed. God is the perfect example to all earthly fathers and He hasn’t changed, ever! 1John 3:1 says this: "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God." There is only one way to the Father, and that is through His Son, Jesus. God’s love is so great, He sent His only son to die for us, so that we might have a loving relationship with Him. As our Heavenly Father, He offers His love to us unconditionally. What better example to all fathers everywhere – unconditional love of the family.

When you become part of God’s family, you are covered with a love from a Father that is boundless. If you are a father, dad, or whatever name you are called, look to our Heavenly Father as an example in your love and care of your family, and look to His Book of Instructions to see your directions!

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