There is an epidemic going on in society, and it can be summed up in one word—fatherlessness. So many boys grow up to be men who lack an understanding of what it really means to be a man because they were never shown how. Children need their fathers, and when men neglect their role as caretakers, leaders, providers, and co-laborers, with the mothers of their children, it causes a serious deficiency in a child’s development. Fathers are crucial to generational continuity and are the foundation of the family itself. Without them, God’s divine structure for the family suffers, resulting in a variety of problems. It is time for fathers to take their rightful place once again.
God has placed within every man the spiritual capability to be a father; I call it the fatherhood principle. Within every young boy lies the seed of fatherhood that must be nourished and developed. This happens through the impartation of manhood he receives from his own father, or another strong male figure in his life. Within every man are innate qualities of leadership, which must be nurtured. If they aren’t, a young boy has the potential to go in the wrong direction.
Fatherlessness impacts how societies operate, primarily because a person’s father can either influence him or her toward success or failure in life. Children who do not grow up with their fathers, or a significant male figure, often end up seeking fatherly approval in their relationships. And unfortunately, unhealed wounds and issues of rejection tend to cause men and women to compromise in order to fill the void within.
For boys, who grow up with an absent father, whether physically or emotionally, the impact can greatly influence the paths they choose in life. It is not uncommon for young men to engage in negative and even self-destructive behavior as a result of never receiving the guidance they needed growing up. In fact, a missing father is a better predictor of criminal activity than race or even economic status.
I believe to be called a father is the highest honor God can bestow upon a man, and He has called men to follow His example of fatherhood. In fact, God is the ultimate standard and the only true example of fatherhood men should look to for guidance. There are several ways a man should father his children that reflect how God fathers us. First, a father provides for his children; second, he counsels them; third, he gives his children guidance; and fourth, he loves them. These are the four components that help foster wholeness in children’s lives.
Fatherhood is not a choice for a man; it is inherent, which means he is unable to be separated from it. A man carries the seed from which all life comes, and whether he has a child or not, he will always have the built-in need to father someone. If you did not experience a healthy relationship with your dad, or if you are a father who sees areas in which you can improve, God is waiting to help you discover what it means to father and be fathered. He can heal you and make you whole in any areas of deficiency. Developing a personal relationship with Him through His Word and prayer will help you tremendously as you allow the fatherhood principle to become a reality in your life.
"The Fatherhood Principle" Single Message
Price: $7.00 – CD
The number one reason for societal problems is fatherlessness. In this single message, Creflo Dollar reveals the causes behind the lack of paternal guidance in society and offers ten keys to overcoming the hurt fatherlessness may have caused in your life. It's time to move forward and receive all that God has for you! Order today to find out how.
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