“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society,” said world-renowned Christian evangelist Bill Graham.
In America, they spend $14.6 billion yearly to show their appreciation and love for their mothers, and only spend $9.4 billion to celebrate their fathers’ special day. It’s June once more, it’s time for us to honor our fathers.
If you conduct a survey and ask people to identify their father’s primary role in the family, their most likely answer would be a provider. While it is true that it is the responsibility of the father to provide for the needs of the household, he has another more important responsibility. More than anything, a father should be the family’s spiritual leader.
A father should love his wife as Christ loves the church. He should protect and care for his children, discipline and correct them. It is also his role to teach his children about Jesus and other important aspects of faith.
We are grateful to the Lord whenever we receive letters from listeners, especially wives, who tell us how the FEBC broadcasts help men in preparing them for their roles as husbands and fathers.
A public school teacher from Malita, Davao del Sur sent this text message to 1197 DXFE Davao: “I have an unbelieving husband. Through DXFE, he found Jesus. Now, both of us tune in to the station.”
She further added, “For about 20 years, my husband persecuted us by turning the radio off everytime he comes home from work. He didn’t want us to listen to DXFE. But we didn’t give up listening to the station. Sometimes, he would come home drunk, and perhaps, too tired or too weak that he would fail to turn the radio off. Those were the only instances he would listen to DXFE. I knew God was at work in his life and spoke to him during those times.
Finally fed up with his sinfulness, my husband surrendered his life to Jesus. He then began to read the Bible and attend church. I realized that he remembered and understood the lessons he learned from DXFE because he was able to share them in Sunday School. I couldn’t believe it, but he’s now more knowledgeable about the Bible than I am! Today, he continues to listen to DXFE. In fact, he is now the one who turns the radio on first thing in the morning.”
I believe that fathers play a very important role in the family. And one of his responsibilities is to keep it intact. Here at FEBC, we are thrilled to hear about stories of how God used the programs to help keep the family together.
In an email, a listener of 702 DZAS once shared, “Three years ago, I called your program asking for advice regarding my husband. Your advice back then helped me deal with the situation. My husband and I are now back together.”
Now, more than ever, is the time for us fathers to step up. Godly fatherhood must be learned, observed and practiced to curb the ever-increasing number of broken families in the country.
To my fellow fathers, I urge you to study your priorities, and consider aligning them with God’s commands and promises and teach them to your children. I also encourage you to seek the help of other fathers and together, learn the ways of our Heavenly Father.
Also, let us not forget to thank our Heavenly Father, who gave us the best gift of all—salvation through Jesus Christ.