I’m the mom of two sons. Aunt of twelve nephews. Grandmother of four grandsons. Men matter to me.
I’ve lived in the presence of faithful men. These men — my grandfathers, dad, husband, brother, brother-in-laws, friends — are all aware of their inadequacies. They know they frustrate. Disappoint. Fail. But, they also seek wisdom in God’s Word. They find strength in the humility and servanthood of Christ. Because of this, I trust these men with my life.
There are other men. Abusive, undisciplined, selfish men. Men who have never been taught God’s Word for their life or rejected it. These men have no concept of chivalry. Instead, they dominate. Worship self. Fall to evil rather than good. I could not trust them. The women in their lives don’t.
A Biblical man stands in contrast. The man who knows God as the Creator of male and female persons appreciates woman as his helper, not his possession. The man who knows that God came to walk among us recognizes Jesus’ high regard for women. A man familiar with the Word knows he was not made in the image of animals, but in the image of God. Though fallen from that perfect image, he has attributes and characteristics of his Maker. He is capable of thinking out his actions, weighing the consequences, and controlling his behavior for the benefit of family and society.
A godly man recognizes the leadership style of Christ. Jesus laid down His life for His bride, the Church (Eph. 5:25). He accepted responsibility. On earth, Jesus was tempted. The devil came to Him. Tried to play with His mind. Tease the flesh. Even quoted Scripture. The devil went away, then returned to tempt again. But, Jesus stood firm. The Christian man knows he, too, will be tempted. Over and over again. There is struggle in this world. Knowing the battle is for the souls of his children, a father holds tight the Sword of Truth. He wields its Law and Gospel with proper discernment. This is a man of hope.
The man who wants to make a positive difference helps reconnect earthly fatherhood with the heavenly model. The Heavenly Father is neither passive nor preoccupied. He does not abandon His creation, but is involved with and committed to His children. The Heavenly Father brings order out of chaos. Sees male and female as equals, but delights in their differences. Does not mentor girls in the same way as boys. Sets boundaries for the protection of those He loves. Explains the consequences of every choice — good or bad. Pursues the lost. Knows the desperate. Welcomes all to lay the burden of every sin at the foot of His Son’s Cross. Forgives. His mercy in Jesus Christ is new every morning.
So, on Father’s Day — and with appreciation for faithful men — I promise my help. My encouragement. My supporting role as a rib. Faithful men are needed by women. Wives. Sons. Daughters. Civilization itself.
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