The two most common household names in the world are Mom and Dad; they are two things that every single human has in common, yet those titles take on different meanings for every person. For some, Dad is a man whom they can depend on to provide both needs and wants, for others he is a protector and a confidant. Some know dad to be “Mr. Fix it” and the person that knows all things about all things. Others know him to be the best chef in the world, the greatest advisor, and their biggest fan.
Fatherhood is a vital role in our lives, shaping us in ways that are often immeasurable, and while many fathers are honorable, consistently making good decisions, sacrificing for their families, and setting great examples, there are instances where the integrity or character of a father may fall short. Even in these cases it is crucial to understand the importance of choosing to honor the position of a father, recognizing that the authority and the authoritive position that they have been given is bestowed upon them by God. God allowed them to have a role to play in the construction of your entire being, for what ever the reason that he saw fit. While we may not always understand God’s reasoning, we must always trust Him and follow His commands. His Word commands us to honor our Fathers (of course it also says that Father’s should not provoke their children to anger, but that is another topic for another time.)
When I think of being put in the seemingly impossible position of having to honor a disreputable man, I am reminded of the example that David set for us in the Bible when he chose to honor the dishonorable King Saul by sparing his life when he had the clear opportunity to kill him and get away with it. The crazy part is that David was running for his life as a fugitive, hiding in caves from Saul and his men because they were in a pursuit to find and kill David. When David found himself in a position to kill Saul and finally be able to rest from hiding, he CHOSE not to. Why? See his exact words for yourself: David explains why he does not kill Saul in 1 Samuel 24:6. He says:
The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my king, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. (1 Samuel 24:6, NKJV)
David understood that honoring the position was a reflection of his respect for God’s authority, not necessarily Saul’s character. Whew, that gives me chills. The restraint. The discipline. The ability to control his emotions after all the horrible things that Saul did, unjustly, to David. Yet, he still CHOSE to honor Saul’s position. Recognizing that by doing so he is trusting and honoring God. Following that example is imperative. By doing so, we uphold a principle that transcends individual flaws and aligns with a higher divine order.
At the same time, let’s take the time to thank the many fathers who embody honor and integrity. These fathers fight through temptations, make sacrifices, and set examples of strength and wisdom. They deserve our gratitude and recognition for their unwavering commitment to their families and the values they uphold.
This Father’s Day, let us honor all fathers by acknowledging their roles and respecting the authority they represent. Whether through the lens of divine appointment or their commendable actions, fathers hold a significant place in our hearts and lives.
