What’s in the Name “Father”?
BY JIM WINTERS
It has been close to 50 years ago that I became a father. Now in our present day, there are numerous opinions as to when this event actually takes place. I, however, can remember the moment as if it were yesterday, when my wife uttered these immortal words: “Congratulations, Daddy.” I have to admit, it took a few moments for those two previously unheard words to sink into my 21-year-old, somewhat naïve brain for digestion. Having searched the Scriptures, I believe a baby’s life begins at the moment of conception, develops in the womb, then enters this strange new world at God’s appointed time.
Nine months after the life-changing news was given, my wife delivered our first child, a living soul. From that very moment at 10:52, Sunday night, December 26, 1971, I became a full-fledged father, responsible to provide for, and to lead that beautiful, little bundle of life in the ways of the Lord. My daughter’s eternal destinywas at stake, and I was the one now responsible for leading her by my direction, example, and leadership; she was going to be influenced by dear ol’ Dad. And incidentally, that awesome privilege has never changed even after 51 ½ years.
Dads, you have a tremendous challenge before you, as you realize God has given you an everlasting soul to love, guide, train, protect, and lead in the paths of righteousness. Remember those little eyes will follow you wherever you lead them.
What a privilege to call the Creator of this universe, the Savior of the whole world, the Redeemer of all who will receive Him, our “Father.” There are too many situations of which we are all aware that a father figure is missing in the home, and a solid role model is nowhere to be found. You see, one can become a dad, but not all dads are true fathers. Gentlemen, let’s be bold, faithful, and true.
The good news is that God has provided a magnificent and perfect plan for all mankind to enter into His family. John 1:12 tells us, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Wow! By accepting what Christ did on the cross paying our sin debt (in full) with the shedding of His own sinless blood, believing that He was buried and rose three days later from that grave, and calling on Him to enter our hearts as our personal Savior, we can call him “FATHER” for all eternity!
Who is your Father?
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY.
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