Fatherhood in the Ancient FaithSýnishorn

The Divine Calling of Fatherhood

As fathers, we are called to be spiritual leaders in our homes, role models guiding our families on a path toward a closer relationship with God. Today, we will explore the importance of our role as spiritual teachers and the ways in which we can fulfill this divine calling.

Scripture tells us in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." As fathers, we have the privilege and responsibility of teaching our children about God's love and grace.

The Early Church Fathers also emphasized the importance of fathers as spiritual leaders. In his writings on the upbringing of children, St. John Chrysostom writes, "For generally the children acquire the character of their parents, are formed in the mold of their parents’ temperament, love the same things their parents love, talk in the same fashion, and work for the same ends.” In summary, he writes that it is impossible for a father who does not teach his son to be virtuous to have a son who is virtuous. This is a reminder that our actions and words as fathers have a direct impact on the spiritual development of our children.

As fathers, being a good role model for our children means that we must strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, and to set an example of faith, love, and virtue for our children to follow. Our role as fathers is a noble and divine calling, a sacred and holy calling from God, and being a father is an opportunity to share in the divinity of God's attributes by imitating His love and care for our children as God loves and cares for us.

In the beginning, God created man and woman in His image and likeness and blessed them to be fruitful and multiply. From the very beginning, fatherhood was a part of God's plan for humanity. The importance of being a role model is emphasized throughout Scripture and the writings of the Early Church Fathers. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” St. John Chrysostom wrote, "The father of a family, if he only knew how to order his own household, would suffice to teach the whole world. But if he is bad and uninstructed himself, his correction of others will be unprofitable, for the light which should shine forth from him is darkness." Further St. Clement of Alexandria wrote, "The father who teaches his son must not be harsh or angry, but gentle and mild, and must not be severe in correcting him, but must show him kindness and love."

Let us reflect on our own lives and ask ourselves if we are living up to this calling. Are we setting a good example for our children? Are we striving to live a life that is pleasing to God? Let us pray for the strength and guidance to be the role models that our children need.