A lot of research has been done in the past 15 years on Fatherhood and its importance in the development of children. As the traditional family is increasingly called into question by a progressive culture that seeks to redefine and reinvent, this is a defense of the father.
The quest to unlock all the mysteries behind human behavior is certainly far from over but one thing we can be certain of is that fathers matter. The benefits of a fatherly presence in the home is aptly summed up as “The Father Effect.”
Studies have shown that kids growing up with a present and engaged father are less likely to drop out of school or end up in jail. They will have more stable and healthy relationships, tend to have a higher IQ, and are much more likely to have higher paying jobs. Also, kids growing up with a paternal presence will, on average, stay clear of high-risk behaviors. The statistics on the matter are quite clear; kids with engaged fathers do better.
Despite the fact that this is scientifically undebatable, we are still left asking the question, “Why?”
While I am not qualified to answer such a significant question, I can tell you that I believe it centers around security. Engaged fathers make children feel secure. Security in the formative years translates to less stress and better mental and physical health.
This is important for us to understand and accept as people raising the next generation of adults who will steward and shape the world, but it is equally important for us to understand and accept for ourselves as Christians, children of our Heavenly Father.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” 1 John 3:1.
If all of my previous points about fatherhood are true, which statistically they are, then how much more important is our understanding and embrace of our Heavenly Father?
What father could be more engaged than God the father who listens to our every petition and hears every cry? Who despite our rebellion welcomes us back with loving arms. Who in our greatest need sent his son to die on our behalf so that we may live eternally with him.
Who, on account of His great love for us, adopted us as his children and promises eternal security to all who believe and trust in Christ. The eternal and spir itual benefits are obvious but this fatherhood, like earthly fatherhood, comes with immediate benefits. Benefits like peace and assurance knowing our futures have been secured.
A way to have freedom from anxiety knowing that our father is always taking care of us. The ability to truly love others knowing how great a love was shown to us be calling us children of God. Dear reader, the benefits of earthly fathers are clear and while no study will ever be done on the benefits of a Heavenly Father, they are just as clear.
So, this is a call to earthly fathers to be present and engaged but it is also a call on us all to embrace and trust in our Heavenly Father who is always present and engaged. In both cases, the love of a father will shape us in ways we may never fully know and give us the peace we all long for.
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