Many generations ago, men’s responsibilities included both spiritual and physical provision for his family. Over time, however, men’s roles diminished to be primarily financial and material providers, with the responsibility of spiritual providers mostly going to the mother.
In time and from generation to generation, many men eventually became passive in spiritual and personal nourishment. Today there is a growing father absence crisis in America. I’m going to go further and officially call this a “Daddy Deficit.” Consider that according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 19.7 million children with more than 1 in 4 living at home without a father. The impacts on these children are:
- 4x Greater Risk of Poverty
- More likely to have behavioral problems
- More likely to go to prison
- More likely to commit a crime
- More likely to face abuse and neglect
- More likely to abuse drugs and alcohol
- 2X more likely to suffer obesity
- 2x more likely to drop out of high school
- 7x more likely to become pregnant as a teen
These are sobering facts, but all fathers can make a positive impact and turn the tide. Although these issues developed over generations, today’s fathers must decide today to step up and turn the direction of these statistics.
It will take considerable effort, but your children and the world needs this. The bible says we should “train up a child in the way he should go so that when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 6:22. The keyword here is to train. This scripture is not a promise but rather instruction to be deliberate and dedicated dads in the raising of our children.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Read and meditate on Ephesians 6:1-4 for yourself.
Pray:
What deliberate steps are you taking in the raising of your child/children in the ways of the Lord? Be real; be honest.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Create a plan of action and goal for the vision of your man or woman you want your child to be. Also, how they will get there. Be specific.
Share / Show:
Share this with a fellow brother and have them hold you accountable.
