What Is A Father?

What is a father?

A movie has been released recently entitled, “What is a woman?” I haven’t watched it, but I’ve wondered what people’s responses were in the movie. Indeed, there is an indisputable biological component to being a woman, regardless of the raging dispute otherwise. But womanhood encompasses so much more than our intrinsic biology and diverse cultural roles. Yes, a woman’s identity is bound up in an apodictic chromosomal reality, but a woman is so much more than the sum of definable parts. 

This morning, as I contemplated how to honor my husband for Father’s Day, I thought about the correlation of the question, “What is a father?” Certainly, a father is male and has diverse cultural roles, but a father is so much more than that. A father is far more defined by his character, than any pursuant cultural role. Based on a lifetime of painful experiences with my own estranged father, I will say that one of the necessary definable components of being a father is to be a man who is there. A man who is a constant underpinning in his children’s lives.

A father is a very present help in time of need, he is a cornerstone of support and a headwater of provision. A father has strong shoulders upon which to carry the weight of the world, and a tender heart to ask for help from his wife when that burden becomes too heavy. A father is safety and refuge from the monsters in the dark, and the strong hand that holds onto you when you begin to wander. He is full of wisdom and wit, forbearance and fortitude. A father is dependable, trustworthy, and present. A father is there for his children— a constant underpinning in their lives. 

These are but a few of the definable things about a father, but a father is so much more than the sum of definable parts. 

(Gal 5:22,23) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

(Gen 18:19) For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.

(1 John 2:14) I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.