Principles are much like formulas. They are established laws that govern life and remain constant in the face of change. The key, then, is learning and understanding these principles so you can handle any configuration, any problem, or any situation in life. When you grasp the principles of life, it doesn’t matter what challenges arise — just plug the problem into the principle.
A principle is a fundamental law that governs function and behaviour. We must understand the basic laws of fatherhood to be effective fathers. The father is the source that sustains, protects, nourishes, and provides identity for what he produces. Men are therefore distinguished in their role as fathers by the following principles:
1. The male is the source of seed.
The male provides the sperm. He is the source of human life, while the woman acts as the incubator of life. It is the woman who gives life to the man’s seed.
2. The male is the nourisher of fruit.
The seed of a tree gets planted and becomes another tree that bears fruit. Whatever emerges from the seed is fruit; therefore, as a father, you are responsible for nourishing the fruit. The seed supplies the tree that sustains the fruit, which, in turn, produces more seed. Father means nourisher.
3. The male is the source of the female.
First Corinthians 11:8 says, “For man did not come from woman, but woman from man.” Therefore, the glory of the man is the woman. (See verse 7.) In other words, the man is responsible for what comes from him. Since woman came from man, men are responsible for women and how they treat them. If you are a young man dating a young woman, you should treat her with respect, as you would want someone to treat your own daughter. You should not pressure her into sexual intercourse before marriage. When a woman goes out with a man, she’s supposed to feel protected physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
4. The male is designed to protect his fruit.
That’s the reason for your strength, men. God endowed men with physical strength and stature. Their bone structure is heavier and larger than that of women — not to harm, but to protect. Many men hit, slap, and curse their wives, believing they are true men. They are not real men; they are imposters and fools ignorant of their God-given purpose. Such ignorant men pose a danger because where purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable. The safest place for a woman should be in the arms of her husband. If she cannot feel safe there, she’s in trouble. Remember, whatever comes out of you is a part of you. If a man hates his wife, then he also hates himself. “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one” (Mark 10:7-8). God’s Word says to love your wife as yourself. (See Ephesians 5:25–33.) If a man loves his wife, he loves his own flesh. A man who walks around hitting, kicking, and cursing himself is deemed insane. Fatherhood is a profound responsibility because you are the progenitor of all that comes from you and must protect all that emerges from you. Father means protector.
5. The male determines the type of offspring and influences its quality.
Because you carry the seed within you, you carry the type of “tree” your offspring will become. Additionally, you have the power to influence the eventual quality of that tree through your character. So I say this to all women: Be cautious about the type of seed you accept in your soil. There are some bad seeds. Some men may appear to be good fruit, but they’re actually just gooseberries. When a woman contemplates marriage, she should ensure she understands the nature and quality of her prospective mate. Whatever you receive, you will produce. Whatever you sow, you will reap. (See Galatians 6:7.) Men, you also must be aware of the kind of soil you use to plant your seed. The seed may be good, but if the soil lacks essential nutrients, then you will have a sick tree. Good seed should never be scattered carelessly. You want quality soil for your seed to guarantee healthy trees. The quality of the woman affects the quality of the fruit. Fatherhood means quality management.
6. The male maintains his offspring.
The principle of fatherhood is maintenance. The male is responsible for the security, sustenance, and development of his seed. Fatherhood means maintenance.
7. The male teaches his seed.
A male is a godly father when he takes responsibility for his seed and imparts knowledge to them. The source must train and instruct the resource. That is fatherhood. Most women are carrying out the teaching and training, but God states that fathers are to provide the primary spiritual teaching and training in the home. This means you, as the male, are responsible not only for fathering children, but also for educating those children and teaching them to walk in the ways of the Lord. It’s challenging to lead children to the Lord if you are an absent father. It’s difficult to guide others to where God is if you are not heading that way yourself. You cannot lead your family to a destination where you are not going. These, then, are the core principles of fatherhood. Are you ready to become the father God created you to be? Do you know what a father is meant to do? Do you know how a father should speak and act?
