Have you ever read a sentence that stopped you in your tracks? This one made me slow down and do a double-take:

“Sometimes we say that God has taken our name “father” in order to teach us what He is. That is not a correct statement. God has lent us His name “Father” in order to teach us what we ought to be.” ~ G, Campbell Morgan

Although Father’s Day is celebrated in June, I am much more aware of fatherhood during the month of October. This is the month the father of my children was born (10.01); it’s the month my son became a father for the second time (10.11); and it’s the month that my earthly father won his long battle with Alzheimer’s and made it Home (10.22).

This month reminds me that earthly fathers have been given a tremendous responsibility – the responsibility to model the One from whom creation and the family sprang. Although my husband and my son are not perfect, they love and serve a perfect Father-God, as did my Dad. Sure they all have made mistakes and “fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), but they also understand that “to be imitators of God” (Eph. 5:1) requires growing in knowledge of who He is and living out that knowledge day by day.

When children see a father who loves unconditionally (John 3:16) but also disciplines in love (Heb. 12:6) …

When they observe a man who is willing to lay down his life for his wife (Eph. 5:25) yet live to serve in love (Gal. 5:13) …

When they understand that Dad works to provide the things they need (1 Tim. 5:8) setting an example for his sons and daughters to follow (1 Cor. 11:1), then they will have less trouble embracing the Father above.

With thanks to all the special men in my life who made/make it easy to believe…