We need men who’re fathers, real fathers. Someone may protest ”But I am a father”. I am using the word with all of its biblical implications. Just having a child in your household no more makes you a true father than having a book in your house makes you an author. The Bible places a heavy responsibility on those who would be fathers: “And fathers do not provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord(Ephesians 6:4). Many believe that the mother is responsible for taking the lead in teaching the children what is right, but that is not so. It is the father’s job. The father first and foremost will be held accountable for how his children are reared.

God said of Abraham, ”For I have chosen him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice”(Gen 18: 19a). God had confidence in Abraham to be the Spiritual leader in his home. Can God have the same confidence in you? In his great farewell speech to the Israelites Joshua said,” And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living, but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”(Joshua 24:15). Joshua was able to speak for his entire household. Why?. Because he was willing to fulfill his responsibilities as a father. There’re so many fathers busy doing other things that they neglect their responsibilities as head of their families(wife and children). Fatherhood is not easy and, any father must struggle to find the time(or make the time) to be with his children. That time is essential. You may be busy or may sometimes be overwhelmed by all the responsibilities that life has piled on you, but do not sacrifice your children on the altar of success and accomplishment. Judas sold his Lord for thirty pieces of silver. When he realized what he had done , he went away and hanged himself. Today , many fathers are selling their children for a bigger house, a better car, a more influential position or refuse to care for their children for the simple reason that their spouses divorced them. What has the attitude of your “ex” got to do with your own child(your blood)?.How will they feel when they finally realize what they have done?. To adapt familiar words from Jesus, ”For what will a man be profited ,if he gains the whole world and forfeits his child?. Or what will a man give in exchange for his children.? By: Obourba Asante Taado.