A Christian Man: He's a Spiritual Father

Written by: Greg Arnold

Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.. - Psalm 82:3 (NIV)

Another young boy sits alone in an empty apartment - wondering why no one is there to greet him after school. Mom is at work, because she has to be there, and dad stopped coming around a couple of years ago. He hardly knows him - but he aches to know him.

A year passes by, then another, followed by yet another - mom now works two jobs to keep the bills paid and food in the pantry. Dad calls at Christmas - sometimes. The young boy now passes into manhood... with only television, friends, church, coaches, and teachers to credit for his idea of what a man should be.

He didn't make it to church as often as his mother would like, there were many Sundays she punched the clock to work extra hours to get the overtime. Money was tight. But the times he was able to go... he often watched families and wondered... what it would be like...

God has plainly given us direction in both Old and New Testament writings - to care for the fatherless. Defend them, watch after them, invest in them. As Christian men, we have the responsibility to step in - and defend them from the eager and waiting grasp of the brutal world.

Showing up for our family is number one. Never allow your own family to be fatherless because of work, hobbies, selfish desires. Get that under control, then find a fatherless child who could use a model. A ride to church, to the ball field, to a youth function, to school activities. This is God's command... defend the fatherless.

THE RIGHT NEXT STEP

What were your childhood interactions with "dad" like?

How many fatherless children are you aware of in your social circles?

PRAY: Almighty father, maker of heaven and earth and giver of life - thank you for being my one true father. Help me to see those who don't know you and to serve those children who do not have a father. Show me how. Amen.

michael f vinning

on 01/30/2023 at 12:52 PM

I was thinking about this last night : that it is easier for me to talk to a stranger who suffers from addiction of any kind than it is to talk to my son about everyday life…bc that’s what I know…addiction and pain and recovery…I know nothing about relationships or how a dad should be with his son. It breaks my heart and I’m sure deep down it breaks my sons heart too!

David Hibinga

on 01/06/2023 at 04:52 PM

I looked like a total orphan, my devorsed Many years ago, I was truly treated like a label. I thank God through that rough training, I am able to take care of orphans on addition to my pastoral duty. thanks for this message.

on 11/12/2022 at 01:22 PM

My dad did the best he could with what he was given, which wasn’t much as 1 of 8. He found purpose in work and play, didn’t leave much room for me. After the divorce at age 8, I didn’t see him for 10 years…I found him after

David Hobbs

on 10/13/2022 at 01:48 PM

Great Read! 👏🏻

Pablo Pineda

on 09/29/2022 at 03:21 AM

I couldn't agree more with the message. I didn't have a father or grandfather and this was so painful. I remember in elementary the school hosted a father and student event, I was crushed. This is actually what lead me to God, reaching deep inside and finding him. I always had a longing to be a good father afterwards. seeing how my mother struggled to raise 6 kids, one does need to help the fatherless. The lords word is always true.

on 07/14/2022 at 11:20 PM

I haven't seen my kids in almost 3 months and it is one of the hardest things I've had to deal with. My oldest daughter wont talk to me . My son Is becoming the same way and my lil daughter still thinks daddy is the world. But reading this really made me break down because I desire to have a relationship with my two older kids but I don't know why they don't. So it hurts a lot . But just like our Father in heaven I'll never stop showing them that I love them.!!! Hopefully one day they come back to me.

Matt Clarke

on 03/05/2022 at 03:28 PM

I have young teenage daughters and one grown son. I am stumbling in being the best father for them. Being the only guy in the house and not understanding all the emotions and problems they face. And then God has opened the door for my wife and I to build into my kids friends that call us mom and dad. I pray for the strength and understanding that only comes from God to be the dad and man my kids need as well as have home the neighbourhood kids feel they can come to. Thank you Father for my parents and my upbringing. Thank you for my kids and now grandchild. Help me to show you to these children.

Hunter

on 02/27/2022 at 01:28 PM

I learned what kind of father not to be from my dad. I pray I won't be condescending, emotionally and verbally abusive, critical, hurtful, yelling, cause my kids to doubt themselves and what their capable of and to hate themselves, and cause them to cry themselves to sleep thinking it would be better if they weren't born or if they should just kill themselves. I want to be encouraging, Godly, loving, and everything I wish I had from my dad.

on 11/16/2021 at 02:32 AM

I'm uplifted by the kids I see at an adolescent group home who want to be around me, talk with me, and offer to help with whatever task I'm working on (as a maintenance man). They ache for communication, approval, attention, structure... things that they haven't been taught by their fathers. I'm an old guy so I can tell you young men, don't work too hard on making sure your kids are your "friends", or giving them what they "want". These group home kids often respond to discipline, with positive outcomes.

Kyle Thompson

on 11/04/2021 at 03:35 AM

I lost my father when I was 10 years old. I had many men who stepped up and showed me how to be a “man”. The one thing I did lack was a father figure to help guide me in the ways of the lord. I grew up in church but never really got into church. I played in the worship bands but never really read the Bible or prayed a whole lot. Now as a father myself I feel like I am playing catch up. I have started doing daily devotional and praying. So hopefully I can show my children the way and teach them the things I had to learn on my own.

Matthew

on 10/30/2021 at 05:59 AM

Father God, your ways are righteous and Holy. Whatever things inside me that will keep me from being a defender of the fatherless, hater gather up and burn the chaff within me. Build me up to be a defender of the vulnerable and afflicted. Amen.

Simon Pratt

on 10/04/2021 at 04:25 PM

I have a passive father who showed me how to live a Godly personal life, and I owe much to him. I want to carry the torch further and be more involved in my own family and community. Sometimes as an introverted "lone ranger" type it can be hard to fit into what being a father to the fatherless is typically portrayed as. You don't have to become the youth group Dad figure (the one typically surrounded by a bunch of kids). If you pay attention and notice them the right kids will find you. Listen well to what they have to say and encourage them where they are.

philasande thethani

on 09/30/2021 at 11:46 PM

study Bible verse

James

on 07/16/2021 at 02:40 AM

I recently saw the movie "Courageous," which is powerful, funny and heart-wrenching all at the same time. It's message is that there is no substitute for fathers in the family and the important role they play - as providers, teachers, counselors, spiritual leaders, and ultimate examples of what a Christian man should be in all phases of his life, especially with regard to his children, and others in his community who have no father. It lays it on the line, but it doesn't preach. It's uplifting. You can't come away but be inspired to be the man, and the father, God wants us to be. I highly recommend it...

A Christian Man: He's a Spiritual Father

THE RIGHT NEXT STEP

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