Chris' Corner - June 21, 2020
A father's God-given duty is found in Ephesians 6:4 where Paul wrote, "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Fathers cannot accomplish this unless they are active in their children's lives.
A father's teaching of his children has been something God has always required. Moses said, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
With the current unrest in our cities across the nation, opinions from every side are flooding the airwaves by broadcasts or megaphones. What is the answer to accomplish the changes that need to take place in our society? The answer lies within the family and the home.
We have known for decades there are adverse effects on children who grow up in fatherless homes. 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (US Dept. Of Health/ Census). — 5 times the average. 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes — 32 times the average. 85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes 20 times the average (Center for Disease Control). 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes — 9 times the average (National Principals Association Report). 75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes — 10 times the average.
Studies of the Father Factor in Education reveal fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school. On the other hand, children with Fathers who are involved are 70% less likely to drop out of school. Children with Fathers who are involved are more likely to enjoy school and engage in extracurricular activities. Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior, and avoid high-risk behaviors such as drug use, truancy, and criminal activity compared to children who have uninvolved fathers (all statistics copied).
Studies on parent-child relationships and child well-being show that father love is an important factor in predicting the social, emotional, and cognitive development and functioning of children and young adults. A wise man wrote, "The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him" (Proverbs 23:24).
An important lesson we learn from family and fathers, is the relationship our heavenly Father wants to have with us. "As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him" (Psalm 103:13).
All social, economic, and racial problems can be solved by turning to the great Father and God in heaven. He will only recognize those who come to Him in obedience and acknowledge Him as their Father. "Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:18).
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