Last year on Father’s Day, we were meeting in the Fellowship Hall, and it was so exciting to be together again! By then, it was evident that the Coronavirus was lethal almost exclusively to those with poor health, so those of us who were healthy and not in regular contact with the immunocompromised felt we could and should meet with a clean conscience, as even the Scriptural examples show quarantines for the sick and not the healthy.
So, we met. And we carried on the teaching of God’s Word. And we sang. And we fellowshipped. And everything was fresh and exciting again.
Has that worn off?
I hope not. Church life is like dad life… it goes on day by day, but it’s the greatest thing in the world. The most meaningful moments of your life happen at church and home—not so much at work. Work pays the bills, sure, but when you’re gone from life, HR hires someone to fill your position. Your family can’t do the same.
Father’s Day, for some, is a time you’d rather forget. But for others—and this is the majority we celebrate on a special day like this—dads are the family anchor. Dads are the rock. Dads bring a special humor named after themselves, and dads bring a level of fear that’s healthy and good for a family.
It’s not all glamorous, though. Being a dad is about the mundane stuff. Waking up. Going to work. Bringing home the bacon. Providing. Protecting. Loving. Living selflessly.
I preached a couple years ago on Father’s Day about the man’s need for respect—a craving that exceeds his desire for love in the vast majority of men (about 75%.) Today, a really great gift for men is to acknowledge and appreciate his contribution to your life.
He may not do everything perfectly—and he probably knows it better than anyone else—but for those areas in which he’s living the routine, don’t forget to be amazed with him every now and then. Not every joke has to be about how he messes up. Sometimes you could say something outrageous to him like, “You decide,” or, “Wow, it’s amazing to me that you can…” or, “Thank you for going to work.” And saying it seriously (not sarcastically,) too.
Most men aren’t much on sentimental lovey-dovey stuff.
That’s why a lot of men are turned off to church. Dim lights, eyes closed, breathy voices, and soft messages offer something emotional for the wives, but where’s the rally call for a cause? Where’s the part where we men can go destroy the devil and fight for Jesus? Where’s the part where we sing like a Marine running cadence instead of a 6-year-old running a marathon?
This is Father’s Day, in case you missed it! We’re handing out beef jerky and tell you to not be a jerk! We’re printing your bulletin on sandpaper and telling you to “BE TOUGH” today. We’re making you do push-ups if you’re late to Sunday school, and preaching God’s Word straight, like always.
We’re excited to be together, but let’s not get carried away… none of this “holy kiss” and lovey-dovey stuff, right?
Right.
Happy Father’s Day. Man up.
-Pastor Ryan