"THE Father Knows Best"

 

“THE Father Knows Best”

 

From 1954 to 1960 famed actor Robert Young portrayed Jim Anderson, a husband and father of a typical mid-twentieth century family in the sitcom “Father Knows Best”. During the same era Hugh Beaumont played Ward Cleaver on “Leave It to Beaver” and a decade later Tom Bosley appeared as Howard Cunningham in “Happy Days”. Each of these classic series depicted its father figure as a wise, loving and committed man whose main concern was his family’s well-being. Many of us who grew up in the 50’s and early 60’s can identify with those “good old days” and the values they presented.

All this changed with the mid 60’s and beyond. Fathers (and men in general) began to be depicted as weak, dumb and disrespected in the media and society in general, a trend that continues to be promoted today. This has resulted in traditional family values’ being held in contempt and ridiculed. The negative impact on succeeding generations is obvious and shows little indication of improvement anytime soon.

As the role of fathers is mocked today so is our Heavenly Father’s place in our lives and culture. The past two generations have seen Him and His ways excluded from government, education, entertainment and even churches and families. Since He’s a gentleman He doesn’t push His way into places He’s obviously not wanted, which goes a long way towards explaining conditions in our nation and the world today. This has happened before. In Psalm 81:11-12 God’s servant Asaph wrote, “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not listen to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.” The result? “…The wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.” (2 Chronicles 36:16).

Have we today reached this point of no return? By no means. During the days of Solomon God promised, “…If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, emphasis added). The Father knows best (“As for God, his way is perfect….”—Psalm 18:30, emphasis added) so we can “Trust in the Lord forever….” (Isaiah 26:4). Numerous times He commands His people to return to Him so He can bless them anew. Will we see that He knows best and respond obediently?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan