The battle for the family is raging. Even the definition of what constitutes a family is in upheaval. The lines are blurry and the pain and confusion is growing in America. This past Sunday at church we looked at some sad statistics about men/husbands/fathers in regards to their role within families. (Statistics are from the National Fatherhood Initiative website)
- 72.2% of the American population believes that fatherlessness is the most significant family or social problem in America.
- 24 million children (1 out of 3) live without their fathers in America.
- Teen girls without a father in the home are 7x's more likely to become pregnant as an adolescent, 2x's more likely to drop out of school, and are more likely to face abuse and neglect, to abuse drugs and alcohol, to have behavior problems at school, and to eventually wind up in jail.
- 1 in 3 women have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. 1 in 5 women have been raped within their lifetime.
- 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year and 90% of the children are eye witnesses to that violence.
One of the biggest ways to turn the tide in stopping the hemorrhaging that is happening to the American family is to develop Godly men who will rise up and LEAD their families. Here's what it means to be a Godly man.
"Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love."
(I Corinthians 16:13-14)
Here is further explanation of what each of those sentences mean when it comes to being a Godly man.
1. Be on guard. A Godly man is the gatekeeper of their home. They watch what comes in and out with vigilance.
2. Stand firm in the faith. A Godly man is not afraid to make the unpopular decision if it is the right decision. They stand solely on the foundation of God's truth.
3. Be courageous. The Greek phrasing literally states: "act like a man." A Godly man has grown up and is not afraid to make tough decisions in the face of adversity for his family.
4. Be strong. A Godly man's strength is felt by his family and those in contact with him. Others are refreshed and strengthened through him.
5. Do everything with love. A Godly man does all of these things with gentleness, tenderness, and love.
The role of the husband/father in every family unit is to be a TENDER WARRIOR for Jesus! If men starting to live up to their redemptive potential then watch out world!
We are continuing our Broken Series at Legacy Church as we look at the role of a Godly woman/mom/wife this coming Sunday. We invite you to join us!
God uses broken families and He can restore our brokenness and weakness through His strength! With God their is ALWAYS hope!
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