[214 words]
Marriage and fatherhood are not just quaint human traditions. They didn’t evolve out of ancient needs or convenience. The humanists and feminists all assume this and that is where they are very wrong.
Fathers are important. Not just to physically produce children. But to raise them and produce a Godly home. Marriage and the traditional family are God’s way. He created marriage and the family for a purpose.
Joseph was a man of uprightness. Is it any wonder that God chose a man of his integrity to be the step-father of his only begotten son? Joseph’s character is seen in Matthew chapters 1 and 2. He was a “just” man who obeyed God without hesitation. He loved and took care of Mary and the baby Jesus – like a Godly man should.
Today, America is facing an integrity crisis as more and more people are talking about how they were sexually abused by people in power. The abusers have taken several forms—teachers, politicians, military, bosses, film directors, church officials, etc.
The real answer to this lack of integrity is dedication to the Lord. Let’s never forget Paul’s charge to Titus: “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity and dignity” (Titus 2:7).
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn church of Christ
Abilene, TX