Fathers Day - Acts 6 - by Ben Bonython

Father’s Day offers a yearly moment to reflect on Fatherhood and how this important role/person shapes us, and our family, community and world. Fatherhood implies the potential of fostering a distinct sort of relationship of great value and significance and therefore it is inherent that true fatherhood is to understood more broadly than as biological fathers.

Fatherhood therefore is a commitment and desire to act in ‘certain ways’ towards others. And that leads us to consider what these ‘certain ways’ might be and how are they received?

Let us highlight 6 of these ‘certain ways’ that are exemplified from chapter 6 of the Book of Acts. The encouragement here is that men of Burnside Family Church would be inspired and encouraged to example such ‘certain ways’ in their fatherhood, as we seek and follow the fatherhood of our heavenly Father in our lives each day.

1. Generous – Fatherhood includes a generosity of awareness of the needs of others outside of our direct families. This sort of fatherhood cares beyond our own natural responsibilities;

2. Team – Fatherhood includes the value of a team and that we can support one another through our different gifts and attributes;

3. Spirit – Fatherhood has the fullness of the Spirit of God at work in our lives, meaning we have our strength and purpose and identity in Christ, exercising His power;

4. Wisdom – Fatherhood operates in wisdom and seeks the Lord for wisdom, with their conduct marked by good and wise decisions and Godly outcomes and conduct;

5. Obvious – Fatherhood is obvious and attractive and people want to give their trust to these godly fathers, and desire counsel and encouragement from these fathers.

6. Faith – Fatherhood shows proven dependence and trust in the Lord, in good and bad times, and the peace of God rules in his heart and mind.