Unsung Heroes

Colossians 2:1-7

Compared to Mother’s Day, father’s day is an almost unnoticed day. there are several reasons for that. Most single parent homes are in care of a mother, not a father, with the result that the children have little or no contact with their father. The only thing the kids know is if he missed a support payment, what their mother tells them, and the times they spend with him, which is often controlled by their mother as well. As a result, even fathers who really love their children have little or no impact on their children’s lives.

In a two parent home, most commonly the primary responsibility for caring for the children rests with the mother, and the primary support of the family comes from the father. There are infinite variations, but as a general rule, the fathers, even the best, most devoted ones, are less involved with their children than the mother. In the past a farmer had his children work with him in the field, and a carpenter had his children helping him build houses. Other trades were the same, but modern laws prohibit such practices, further isolating fathers from their children. Many fathers are unrecognized heroes.

As a divorced father, I can testify that my children are unaware how much I love them, and the struggles I experienced to pay child support. They do not know of the times I went without heat in my trailer because I didn’t have money enough to by propane after paying child support, and some expenses relating to our divorce. They don’t understand that the presents I bought them at Christmas or for their birthdays were paid for by skipping meals, scrimping on things I needed, and by working every possible hour.

The isolation from fathers and consequent lack of understanding of what he goes through to provide for them prevents the children understanding how much he loves them. This lack of understanding is amplified by some mothers who wish to appear superior, and the father’s love, wisdom and experience discounted as self serving. The children go through unnecessary struggles because they ignore, or never receive the father’s teaching and advice. It is a major factor making people susceptible to homosexuality, promiscuity, and abuse. Children need to know their parents struggles to understand their love..

Paul is concerned that the Christians, and especially those who did not know him personally would be easily led to believe that the things he was trying to teach were not relevant to them. They would not understand that the things he was teaching were to equip them for Christian life, and because they did not know the love he had, could easily be deceived by false claims of love.

“For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:1-5)

If they understood his love, and that their salvation was in everyway dependent on Christ and his sacrifice they would be less susceptible to being led into things that were not right. They would understand a little of his feelings of pride and despair as he observed their successes and failures. By remembering and applying the things our parents have tried to teach us, we can avoid some of the pitfalls of life. By practicing what we have learned from spiritual teachers we can do even better.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

Paul gives similar instructions to Timothy. “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;” (II Timothy 3:14) The life style and love of those who have taught us , to properly evaluate the value of what they teach. He then goes into the importance of the scriptures if we are to please God in the familiar verses of II timothy 3:16-17. Earlier, he describes how that Timothy had full understanding of his own struggles, and how Timothy could place confidence in what he had learned because he was aware of Paul’s love.