We are halfway through June, known to many as “Pride Month” and, to a growing number of residents of pro-family values states, as “Fidelity Month.” Of the two, I’ll take celebrating familial integrity over a deadly sin any day.

With Father’s Day approaching, this is a great time to honor fidelity by recognizing the very leaders of our households. Without fatherly involvement in the home, we see a rise in needless harm to families in numerous cases across our state and our country. From school shootings to prostitution, a lack of paternal guidance rips families apart.

Contrary to what we witness in our local neighborhoods and cities, we are called to be different from the world and to seek Jesus in all we do. In a society where hookup culture is promoted even as the sacramental covenant of marriage is rejected, fidelity is being trampled beneath our feet. At the end of the day, we must consider: Are we coasting with the crowds? Are we of this world or merely in this world?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Where are we now?

The left attempts to influence young men and women by subverting the virtues of fidelity. They do this by effectively negating heterosexual marriage, elevating individual autonomy, and promoting abortion of the unborn. However, we are beings governed by a moral guide (God) even if we try to reject this reality. As such, the masculine desire of fatherhood is innately implanted within the minds of young men.

A recent survey conducted by the Institute for Family Studies reveals that men aged 18–29 seek to fulfil their purpose via fatherhood. This is all despite the Left’s attempts to exert its negative influence.

The impact of paternal absence

If you had the chance to choose one skill or ability to compete in as an Olympic sport, what would you win the gold for? If the United States of America were to compete at having single-mother households against the entire world, we would share the podium with nobody, hogging 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Am I saying the lack of fathers in the home is the only reason for societal ills? No. Am I saying that without fathers our chances of committing crimes, abusing drugs, condoning violence, and sexual assault are astronomically higher? Absolutely. America First Policy Institute details the tragic statistics of outcomes for those who grow up fatherless.

In short, 80% of single-parent households are ones without a father present. Of those households, a tragically high percentage of the children partake in school shootings, commit various other crimes, and dwell in poverty.

“Fatherless children are more likely to suffer from psychosocial development issues, live in poverty, drop out of school, engage in school violence, abuse substances, and enter the juvenile justice system.”

America First Policy Institute

Other than clear statistical revelation, numerous other factors play into why a household built on strong values and leadership stands superior to those without. The argument is not that every household with a father is built on Christian morals, but rather that benefits abound when both parents are present. A house without a mother is just as poor as one without a father. The idea is simple. Whether we acknowledge that moral orientation comes from God, there is a compass that guides us innately.

We are designed to operate a certain way; men and women are meant to operate together.

Another way the denial of gender roles destroys families is that men are designed to cast vision, to provide, and to lead. Even if they are bad at it, it’s better to be present than not. Through the gift of the sacramental marriage covenant and the natural outcome of a family, a father and mother are designed to operate in unity. A father will do a better job raising a responsible son to be a man, just as a mother will raise her daughter to be a self-respecting woman.

Call to action

“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And weak men create hard times.” ~ G. Michael Hopf

Having a family is a beautiful thing. As men and women of Jesus Christ, we ought not check out nor stand lukewarm while others reject the creation mandate to subdue the earth by multiplying. As a generation with weak men who are unaccountable to one another, in which fathers abandon their children, society will ultimately be held liable.

As a result, the next generation may be forced to clean up this mess. The once-innocent minds of children are corrupted because no father is around to protect them from deceitful ideologies. In turn, these kids grow up in violence, crime, and sexual recklessness. But internal conviction reveals God’s purpose for aspiring fathers. Additionally, the statistics show what detriment occurs when fathers are absent.

As Fidelity Month comes to a close in the next few weeks, let’s encourage each other through prayer, reminding ourselves of the vision God set in place for young men: fatherhood.