Imo Baptist Conference Father’s Day: Rev Uzoeshi Describes Fathers as Mirrors of Goodness

Ikenna Orioha.

Fathers have been described as Mirrors of goodness who are imbued with wisdom and principal responsibility to raise their children in the ways of God.

This is stated by Rev. Uzoma Uzoeshi, who is the Imo Baptist Conference President, in his Goodwill Message to Fathers of the Church, during their Father’s Day Celebration, held on 21st June, 2020, at Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State.

Rev. Uzoeshi told Fathers not to exasperate their children, instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord in order to have bright future with positive contribution to society advancement and edification.

Dwelling on the Theme of his Message, “I Am The Mirror”, Rev. Uzoeshi, said he brought greetings to the “Fathers in our great Imo Baptist Conference as we celebrate 2020 Father’s Day this Sunday, 21st June”, drawing his Message from EPHESIANS Chapter 6:4.

Rev. Uzoma Uzoeshi, President, Imo Baptist Conference

He highlighted that a Mirror, which he reflected the Fathers are, is “something that gives a minutely faithful representation, image or idea of something else, a pattern for imitation or exemplar”, remarking that such a definition is “very close to our focused subject, referring to a Father as a Mirror of Excellence”.

The Servant of God maintained that “it is important to know that parents, both the Father and the Mother, work together to raise their children who will always obey them. Fathers are characteristically referred to as Mirrors. The reason is that Fathers have principal responsibility for raising children.

“This is a natural extension of the Headship of the Father over the members of his family (Ephesians 5:25-25)”, quoting John Piper as saying,
“Dad should take the initiative to make sure that plans and processes and people are in place to build a Vision of God and Truth and Holiness into the lives of the children”.

While emphasizing that Fathers should take responsibility for the upbringing of their children in the Lord, Uzoeshi observed that Myles Munroe said “when Fathers train their children; they teach by example. It is then that their children learn by imitation”.

He further disclosed that there is a Greek saying, “bring them up” which means basically “to provide for, especially with nourishment, care and discipline. This has close connotation with Paul’s expression in Ephesian, Chapter 5:29, where Paul says, No one ever hated his flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it.

“Meaning that in all that a Father does to bring his children to maturity, there should be a provision and care that assure the child that behind all the discipline and instruction, there is a great heart of love”.

He Pointed out that the earthly Father is working all things together for the good of his child. And so, God’s character is being displayed as the context of “bring them up which also conveys the idea of discipline”, hinting that “discipline signifies the actions a Father takes to give his children the abilities, skills and character to live life to the glory of God. Discipline or training is with practical teaching in the word and way of the Lord”

According to him, “the word discipline often refers to the painful part of training”, because the Scripture says, “it is for discipline that you have to endure. For what son is there whom his Father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons”, (Hebrews 12:7-8), reiterating that a “Christian Father is a Spiritual Mirror who reflects nurture, discipline, care and godliness on other peoples lives”.

Uzoeshi buttressed that “Fathers are called to be Mirrors that correct, warn and guide in the way of the Lord through the Word of God and godly lifestyles. They are models to their children in the way of the Lord. As a Father, a Mirror, the most important thing in raising children is that they come to see Jesus Christ, the glory of God Almighty in their lives, as supremely valuable as Savior, Lord and Treasure of life. Being a Father, a Mirror, provoke not your children to wrath. This particular scriptural expression denotes the exasperation produced by arbitrary and uncaring rule. Fathers are warned not to treat their children unduly and unruly and do not provoke your children to anger to the point of frustration by unjust treatment or by unfair or unexplained punishment. Rather than provoking your children to anger, keep your soul with all diligence”.

He enjoined Fathers to often help their children to learn more by their good example, as they train them to recognize and appreciate all that the Lord has done for them.

Also, he advised children to behave godly always as they respect their parents and elders.

“As a Father, I will not forget to let our children know that the high duty of children is to obey their parents. Such obedience includes inward reverence, as well as outward acts. The reward of obedience is prosperity.

“A Father is given by God the Father, the responsibility to train and equip everything under his care, including his wife and offsprings.

“To all Fathers of Imo Baptist Conference, let the Mirror of righteousness in Christ Jesus continue to reflect in all we do”, wishing them happy Father’s Day Celebration.

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