It takes a child to make a father.  Yes, I know we usually think of it the other way around, but it is true.  It is true biologically, and it is especially true relationally.  A man is not truly a father unless he behaves as a father to his children.  

 

That fathers would provide for the physical needs of their children is a foregone conclusion with God.  Paul wrote in 1st Timothy 5:8 that those who make no attempt to do so, deny the faith and are worse than unbelievers.  This temporal provision, however, is only the bare minimum of what makes a man a father.

 

As men, we tend to relate more to “things” than we do to people.  We are divinely designed and commissioned to have dominion over the physical creation (Genesis 1:26-28).  Usually, our relationships with other men arise from our mutual interest in things like cars, guns or sports.  We may play team sports with other men but even there the focus is on getting a ball (or some other thing) to go where we want it to go.  Typically, relationships are not our strong suit.  This is why some men will wear themselves out making a living for their families while other aspects of fathering go wanting.

 

Perhaps the ladies have it a little easier here as they are divinely wired for relationships and nurturing.  Put a baby in a room full of women and they will all fight to hold him.  Put a baby in a room full of men and they will look for a woman to give it to.

 

What I am saying is that Godly fathering requires deliberate, conscious effort.  Manipulating the inanimate resources of this world to useful ends is one thing. Guiding a young mind and spirit to relate intimately with their creator, however, is completely another… but what a lofty ambition!

 

I certainly don’t have it all figured out, but I believe a starting place is in the wisdom of the age-old adage: “He who would raise up a child in the way that he should go, must first walk that way himself”