We all know what a good mother is worth in the home. There is no argument that Mom has a great influence on her children. She wears many hats – nurse, organizer, nurturer, teacher, nose wiper, transporter and counselor. There is no doubt that a good mother is very important in her children’s life.
But what about Dad? What’s a good Dad worth? In this modern world we seem to forget the role of a good Dad. He’s the one who seems to be like the small spare tire in the trunk of your car – he’s good to have around, but you hope you don’t need him.
If you get your idea of a Dad from many of the television sitcoms, he is to be used as an ATM, laughed at and belittled before your friends. He’s old-fashioned – fossilized, even – and beyond hope.
God has a very different view of a good father. The book of Proverbs has a great deal to say about godly fathers. First of all he is a teacher of moral values. “My son, hear the instruction of thy father ,” says Proverbs 1:8. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding,” adds Proverbs 9:10.
A good father teaches his children to show reverence and awe of God. Perhaps it would be better to say “the fear of the Lord” is more likely caught than taught.