Honouring fatherhood

The rapid escalation in the breakdown of families in the society around us is obvious to all. Often, we think that these breakdowns are a result of extreme behaviours that we would not typically consider to be Christian. Nevertheless, there is a powerful disease which is not only touching, but is in fact deeply ingrained in the fabric of many families: the disrespect of fatherhood.

This disrespect of fatherhood is a significant element in the decline of family life within our community. It is evident that where parents themselves lacked respect for fatherhood and authority in their own childhood and youth, it has now become the norm within their own families. We learn so much by observation. How can parents ask for respect when they do not give it themselves? This problem may have only emerged recently, but it is in very nature, a deep rooted and long standing issue.

The Lord expressed the pain of this disrespect for fatherhood through the Old Testament prophet, Malachi. ‘If I am a Father then where is my honour?’ Mal 1:6. This is as real today as it was then. Where is the respect of fathers and fatherhood? Why is there such a resistance to the word which comes from the mouth of fathers in the home and in the church? Is it that we assume that freedom is violated by submission and obedience to the command of fathers? There is far greater freedom in the place of submission and obedience than will be found in a place of disrespect and rejection of guidance.

In the days of Malachi, the effect of their disrespect was not flagrant rejection of God, but a private and personal interpretation of His words and commands. So it is with us. So often our disrespect for someone isn’t shown in an obvious rejection of them, but in an undermining or manipulation of what they say.

It is important for us to give honour to the fatherhood of God and the lordship of Jesus Christ as fundamental to godly culture. If we don’t, then we will bear the penalty of corruption and disintegration in our families and churches. To the degree that we have not ‘obeyed from the heart’ we will be powerless to direct and instruct our families. Right from the elders and fathers, to the mothers and children, God is calling for respect and obedience to the word of fatherhood and to the order of headship. If we do not heed this call, the next generation will grow to believe that disrespect is normal and acceptable, making the Lord’s culture that much harder for them to grasp.

Geoff Smith

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Feature Articles
August 2008

Keeping your heart

Bearing His reproach

The staff of bread

The harmony of life

Honouring fatherhood

Elders and Deacons

Showing Virtue in tragedy

Becoming a seeker

The Goodness of God

The devotion of your youth

Increase by labour