How Much Time Do You Have?

Fathers are important to the family and in the lives of their children. Dr. David Popenoe wrote, “Involved fathers bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is as likely to bring.” Research shows that children who grow up with involved fathers do better in school, have more self-esteem, and are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. These facts certainly speak to the importance of fathers. There are many fathers in the Bible. The thing about these men is that they were ordinary….they made mistakes, but they were extraordinary because they obeyed God. Joseph was Jesus’ earthly father. He took care of Mary, taught Jesus to be a carpenter, and met the needs of his family. The Bible says that Joseph was a righteous man and surely he was loved by Jesus and all his family members. Our ultimate father is God himself–He is perfection. “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:44-45.