If civilization stands or falls based upon the family, and it does, then, the father is the foundation of the family; it is correct to say, that civilization stands or falls based upon fathers! The definition of the word “father” is: “(1) a male parent; (2) a man who has begotten a child” (Merriam-Webster). On the-other-hand, the Greek word translated “father” is “pater” and means: “generator or male ancestor.” (Thayer). Maybe, it is best for us today, to look at a dictionary. A little deeper into the word: “Father” comes from the Proto-Indo-European “pater” and Old English ‘fæder,’ meaning “he who begets a child,” reflecting the baby-talk sound “pa” as well as a phonetic shift from ‘p’ to ‘f’ in Middle English.” Then, “a man who has begotten a child.” But even this does not give us what we need in understanding what a “real” father is! Paul, the apostle of Christ, wrote these most awesome words: “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). These words should put “fear” in the heart of every man who is to be a father! Here we have the responsibility of one who is a “father!” However, so many “men” who become a physical “father” has no thought to be a real “father” of the child he “begets!” This maybe said to be the first real problem we have with “fathers” today!
A little information! The word “father” appears 627 times in the Old Testament and 352 times in the New Testament (King James Version). The first time God identifies himself as “father” is in Exodus 4:22-23, where the word “father” does not appear but is implied: 1) Ex. 4:22-23: “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.” Here God presents himself as “father” to Israel. This happened after God called Moses and commissions him to deliver the Israelite people out of “bondage.” To the best of my abilities, there are only ten verses in all the Old Testament where God refers to himself as “father.”
It is important to note, that “Abba Father,” which you might think appears often, only appears two times in the Old Testament (Deut. 32:6 and Isa. 64:8) and three times in the New Testament (Mark 14:36, by Jesus; Rom. 8:15 and Gal. 4:6, by Paul). The dictionary says: “Abba” is the defining term for father in the Aramaic language” (Dictionary.com). Reading the verses: “And He [Jesus] said, ‘Abba Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’” (Mark 14:36); “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” (Rom. 8:15); and “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba Father!’” (Gal. 4:6). Now, with this information, let us continue our study.
More to the present point in time! Not only has the family been under attack but “fathers” perhaps even more so. Being a good “father” is not an easy thing to do! If a man did not have a “good” father, it is hard for him to be a “good,” in that he missed that “good” example. Thus, being a “good” father is something that he must learn. He may pick up “good” qualities from watching those fathers that he believes are “good” examples. This means, a little here and a little there; but much is missed! A “good” father starts first with, loving his wife, who is to be the mother of his child(ren). Many children today, have a “father” who only had sex with his mother; thus, no love for the mother of his child. Every year about one million more children are born into fatherless families. May this number reach into the deepest part of our hearts!
Let me say, the “best” of fathers, miss the mark so often! We do our “best” but our “best” somehow just does not get it done! Much of this is due to the “mind” or the “tone” that each child has, as the child is influenced by so many people other than his/her “father.” This we can safely say: The best father may lose his child(ren) in the end! Just give the child the best example you can give and then realize, the final judgement rests on the child.
Finally, keep the world outside the “door” of your family! Every effort that the world can make is being made to destroy “fatherhood!” As “fatherhood” is the foundation of a civilized nation! Kill the importance of the “father,” and you have weakened the home, and thus, a nation!
Frank R. Williams