“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” Billy Graham

Next Sunday, we will be celebrating Fathers’ Day, honouring all the fathers for the role they play in bringing up their children in such a way, that they learn independence, responsibility, the role of a man in a Christian family and mot of all, respect for all the women in their lives. Rick Johnson, in “The Power of Fathers” wrote, “As fathers, we have the power to impact generations of lives. Make sure your impact on the twenty-first century is a positive one.” Mary Fairchild wrote, “Most fathers don’t realize the extent of their influence and how their godly behaviour can make a lasting impression on their children.”

As men, we can look to the example of strong fathers in the Bible. Think of Abraham, the father of faith in God, prepared to sacrifice his own son; Job, who prayed for his children: Jacob, AKA Israel, left his children a blessing; Joseph, in obedience to God’s calling was an earthly Stepfather to Jesus, and taught him a trade. But most of all, we can look to God as our Heavenly Father: “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

In your prayers this week, please remember fathers everywhere, as they handle the responsibility of bringing up their children, imparting their faith, principles, and respect for others, especially their wives and partners.