It’s My Fault

Being a father is a radical responsibility. One that’s been neutered of its uniqueness and weight and turned into just another equal participant in the human economy. Well, we may have produced an economy of hard working men (and women), but we’ve also enabled a generation of slacker dads. Even the “good dads” are slackers. And I’m intent on not being one of them.

If my family is not praying enough or doesn’t know how to pray together, it’s my fault.

if my family lacks direction and inspiration and vision, it’s my fault.

If my children don’t know what generosity and selflessness look like, it’s my fault.

If my children do not know God, it’s my fault.

If my children don’t know what a hard working, faithful, loving, kind, gentle, strong man looks like, it’s my fault.

If my children don’t feel secure about who they are, it’s my fault.

If my children don’t know what it feels like to be loved and what real, sacrificial love looks like, it’s my fault.

If my children don’t know what forgiveness and mercy look like, it’s my fault.

If my children don’t know how to respect authority, it’s my fault.

If my children don’t know what humility and honesty look like, it’s my fault.

If my house does not serve the Lord, it’s my fault.

If I, as their father, don’t do these things, who will? If it’s not my responsibility, whose is it? My wife has unique responsibilities of her own and many of these we fulfill together. But ultimately, in a family, the buck stops with somebody – and that’s me. If these things don’t happen, it’s my fault.

If you need a good reminder of this or wanna catch a good flick for families, check out the movie Courageous. It pumped me up and will remind you of the seriousness, bigness, joy and fulfillment of being a father. Here’s a preview clip: