The Road Less Traveled

The Road Not Taken
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost

Many have offered various interpretations and applications for the expressions within this poem. Though the actual meaning remains hidden with Mr. Frost, these words resurrect another element of discovery in my mind. In a few months, I will soon enter into the adventurous world of fatherhood. I, too, stand at the forks of this journey and will be faced with many decisions. Will I choose to become a father who will hide in fear from the many challenges or will I choose to venture into uncharted territory with courage and zeal? Sadly, many fathers choose to neglect those under their care and authority. He may work long hours to provide the physical needs of his family (these needs are greatly appreciated), but they often overlook the emotional, mental, and spiritual essentials that develop a well-balanced and stable family.

Unfortunately, television has disgraced the picture of men in our society. No wonder that authority has been stripped from the home when television programs show men as imbeciles and buffoons. When our culture indoctrinates our children with these unbiblical teachings, we quickly find our families in disarray. How will the men of our day restore our role and function within the home. More than ever, we need men who will stand up to the challenge of sacrificially loving their wives (Ephesians 5:25-27), faithfully raising their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4), and diligently studying and applying the Scriptures to their lives.

Like many men, we desire to see the fruits of our labor. We work long hours anticipating a salary at the end of the week so that we can pay the mortgage and utilities. We repair items around the home in order that they function properly when needed. We like to know that our labor is bringing reward and meeting needs. However, when it comes to the family, the results of our toil are often not seen or appreciated. Day after day we invest and pour into lives of our families often forgoing our own needs. Very little is evidenced in the preparation stage where instruction and training is involved. Many hours, days, months, and years are involved as a father continuously strives and invests in his family. Often he goes unnoticed because he resides in the recesses of the home. He receives no accolades or standing ovations, but his work will find its reward long after he has moved off the scene. It is amazing to me how God planned this out.

One day we men will stand front and center to give an account to how we influenced and directed our homes. He has given His Word to us to be the compass which will give us a bearing when we lose sight of His will. As fathers, we give direction, shape and mold lives, provide stability in the home, develop deep and meaningful relationships, and sacrificially love our families. What a challenge to each of us who anticipate living out God’s Word! And the greatest example of a father that we have is our heavenly Father who sent His Son. Through the Person and Nature of Jesus Christ, we have come to know the Person of the Father. Toward the end of Jesus’ ministry, He revealed to His disciples, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him” (John 14:7). We have been shown the greatest example of a true Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. May our Father find each one of us faithfully responding to His Word and serving our families. Will you make difference in your family?

Proverbs 27:17— “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”