Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory. – 1 Peter 5:2-4
Christ is King. In everything he did while on earth, he exercised the Father’s loving rule. By healing the sick, by teaching, and by battling against the Enemy, Jesus brought God’s kingdom among us such that the Father’s will would be done “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Jesus gives all his disciples a measure of his kingly character. A father imitates Christ by taking on the character of a governor, of a ruler. Simply put, a father is one who takes responsibility.
First of all, a father rules himself.
As a father, heis a part of God’s kingdom, and he has been given specific authority to govern.
He works hard and asks God’s grace to bring his mind and his body under the rule of God.
He fights to master his unruly desires so that he is not ruled by them, so that he can be free to serve others.
Secondly, a father rules his immediate environment.
He does not breed chaos; he doesn’t need “picking up after.”
The reverse is true.
He orders his time, his relationships, his finances, his possessions, his workplace, his home, and his entertainment such that they promote peace and freedom.
Next, a father takes responsibility for his family.
Not as the “boss” who forces his will, but as one who helps his wife and children experience the blessed order of heaven, and he provides them an environment in which they will thrive.
Further, a father takes responsibility for whatever wider tasks he has been given in ways appropriate to his role.
At work, civic duties, service to the Church, and among friends, he contributes to building the kingdom.
If he is in charge, he leads in the strength and humility of Christ.
Because he is responsible, he also knows how to follow the lead of others in responsibility.
He is invested not only in his own projects but also in those of others. Wherever he is, he asks: “Who is responsible here, and what is the good that he or she is trying to accomplish?”
He then does what he can to move the project toward Christ’s kingdom.
He is a good team player, knowing how to pull his oar where he is most needed.
He doesn’t sit on the sidelines and watch while others succeed or fail by themselves.
A responsible father who rules rightly is a blessing to everyone.
Good things happen around him.
His presence moves things towards justice, truth, and peace.
But the corruption of a gift tends toward its opposite.
If a man refuses to grow into his fatherly character and resists taking up his proper responsibilities, he becomes a burden and a danger to those around him.
Let’s determine to throw off the fear and selfishness of irresponsibility and willingly take on what the Lord has given us.
Let us put aside the immaturity of boyhood and seek the responsibilities that have our name written on them.
Let us step into Christ’s character as he brings heaven’s order to earth.
