Being a parent involves so much more than procreation. It is a relationship carrying important responsibilities. For years, we have lamented “absentee fathers” – those who father children biologically without regard to the responsibilities that go along with bringing a child into this world. The sad reality is that many children grow up without a father. Though living in the same house, other fathers have checked out of their children’s lives – having no connection with them – and, therefore, absent from their lives.
Unfortunately, with increasing regularity, we see the same problem raising its ugly head among those who give birth to our children. For many years, we have been inundated by worldly philosophies painting a distorted view of motherhood. Sometimes, children are but a passing thought to those seeking the world’s approval in living a successful, fulfilled life. “Have a child, if you must, but quickly get back to more important and fulfilling activities.” To varying extents, the end result is that children grow up without strong connection to either a father or a mother.
Sometimes children are blessed with others in their lives who fill the void. These are sometimes referred to as follows: “He was like a father to me” or “She was like a mother to me.” These are expressions of relationships that can make all the difference in a person’s life. But, for those of us who are parents, we must connect with our children by assuming parental responsibility in the four ways outlined in Luke 2:52. The inspired text says, “Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Parents have a God-given responsibility to see that their children grow up intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. This requires that parents be present in their children’s lives.
— Glen Elliott —