We celebrate father’s day once a year, however we should recognize at all times that without him we would not be. So, to answer the question “What is a father?”, let’s take a look at the origin of the Chinese character for “father” which the Japanese have adopted into their writing system.
To the left we can see how the character was once written — a hand holding a stick, indicating a stern figure, or a father holding a cane, stick, rod, in his hand. Writing it this way centuries ago it took three strokes. However these days it takes four strokes and the figure has somewhat changed shape.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. —Ephesians 6:1-4
Not all father’s are perfect, as it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. —Romans 3:10-12
Only Father God is perfect! Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth . . . —James 1:17-18a
Well, then, let’s take a look and get a general idea of “What is a father?” In reading the following, be sure to compare our fathers, even yourself if you are a father, with Father God “who is the originator and transmitter of everything, the One Who infused His own Spirit into us.” (Strongs Concordance: (3962NT) father—patēr.
—He is a husband first,
—a father second,
—a protector, (other synonyms used to describe protector: defender, preserver, guardian, champion, watch dog, Knight in Shining Armor, guardian angel, chaperone, escort, keeper, body guard, hired gunman, shield, cushion and shock absorber),
—a provider,
—a ruler who measures, as well as governs the family with love and compassion,
—a leader,
—a director or conductor of the Family Orchestra using the baton, or stick of leadership that God has placed in his hand. And finally, a father is —
—a lover of God,
—a lover of his wife,
—a lover of his children,
—a lover of his neighbors,
—a lover of his job,
—a lover of his life.