Martha Olawale

“These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:9

When we think of perfection, our minds wander toward lines drawn by our brokenness. We believe perfection means having a particular look, acting in a certain way, and possessing certain things. However, perfection is as simple as Christ said in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” And if Jesus commands it, then we should walk in it.

If placed on the scale of man, Noah won’t measure up. Not one person outside his family heeded his pleas to get in the boat, but the Bible described him as “A just man” because he walked with God. My husband is the most influential man in my life, and his perfection does not come from what he does and does not do. His perfection comes from whom he surrenders. Yes, I’m grateful for and love his brilliance, wits, and looks, but they don’t match the radiance that shines on him as he hides behind Jesus. Perfection is a process, not an attainment.

If I can celebrate Father’s Day daily with trumpets blowing, I will because of the value of the godly men in my life and our world. They don’t always get things figured out, but they bask in the glory of their Father. They live beyond their weaknesses and culture's dictates to reflect Christ in a broken world.

Godly fathers are patient and wise and follow God with a surrendered heart. They not only camp with their kids or teach them math or how to throw their first pitch; they also walk through messy seasons with them. They pursue excellence in their work and wear the cloak of integrity. They sit by their children’s beds to teach them the scripture and hold their wives through all the highs and lows. They laugh, cry, dance, sing, work, and play; they are authentically imperfect in the hands of a perfect God.

A perfect father measures his life on the scale of God’s truth and guards himself with the armor of God. He is kitted with the belt of truth, the shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness from the gospel of peace, and the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:14-17). He is the epitome of grace and strength because He walks with the Most High.

The power of the influence of a godly father can’t be overemphasized. He is more than an accountant, an engineer, a salesman, a manager, and a coach; He is a banner bearer. He is a surrendered warrior of faith, fighting for his family on his knees and living a life worthy of emulation. His right hand is lifted up to the Heavens in worship, and on his left hand is God’s word. A godly man protects his home from rot; he loves and serves like Christ.