I cannot speak about the role and impact of the father without talking about the role model on my own father. But woven in is how I came to understand the role of my heavenly father and the importance of that testimony in my Christian walk.
“Everyone knows we have a “men problem.” Unfortunately, the problem is getting worse, not better. And young men especially are paying the price. Many are in chaos, and all are struggling to figure out how to do life.” Online article -Man in the Mirror.
—//—
When elephants overcrowded South Africa’s Kruger National Park, the government authorized killing adult elephants and relocating their children to other parks.
As the orphaned male elephants became teenagers, they were clueless about what “normal” behavior looked like. When their testosterone levels spiked the orphaned males turned aggressive.
In one park they savagely killed 36 rhinos. A park ranger watched as one elephant knocked over a rhino, trampled it, then drove a tusk through its chest. The situation was out of control.
Then rangers brought six adult bull elephants into one of the parks. They mentored the younger bulls to see what normal behavior looked like. No more rhinos were killed after the bigger bulls arrived.
—/—
Make a list of the positive men who have been influential in your life.
** The men that have poured into our lives. GOD is The Father to the fatherless.
Clyde - Candy man as strong man. (A blessing) : Example.
Pastor - Spiritual father. (A guide) : Coach.
Howard - Ministry guide : (A teacher) : Mentor
Mixed understanding of my own father/testimony.
Speaking on adoption at a funeral…my nephew question his identity stating that he is just trying to answer the question, who I am? I offered to him a better question; whose I am?
Titus 2:6 gives specific instruction about mentorship as it relates to both older men and younger men… The word “wisely” can be carefully translated “self control”.
Three types of relationship every man needs.
To be an example someone younger. (Eli w/ Samuel)
To be a coach / guide to a peer. (Jonathan and David / Paul w/Barnabas)
To be mentored by an elder. (Paul with Timothy)
Titus 1 gives instruction on being an person of influence. Paul talks about being honest and trustworthy. Paul defines the qualities that it takes to be a teacher, a person if influence. Nowhere does Paul say that we can force someone to listen.
Influence us something that comes because of the investment that has been made in the life of another. Influence is what happens as a result of a person's servanthood.
Be a person of influence; pour yourself into others. Be a person of influence; spend time investing into others. Be a person of influence; work to be respected. Be a person of influence; care for others.
George Webster Douglas: “A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.”
—//—
https://maninthemirror.org/2012/04/17/205-mentoring-younger-men/
