Continuing in our series of the New Age Family, I will attempt to discuss the roles played by each individual member. This blog will focus on the father, in particular, the attributes or characteristics needed to fulfill his obligations to himself, his family, society, and God.
Let us first begin by reiterating what the mission of the father is within the family unit. Lie any effective system of organizing and governing a body people, there must exist a branch for administering and a branch for defending. On a large, systematic level, this is translated into the government and military. Both serve the needs of the people and are necessary in order for a civilization to sustain itself. The family is a microcosm of such a system. The father’s primary job is to protect and provide for his family. Protection from external threats ensures the family’s security in its growth and development. Providing the means of subsistence I.e. food, shelter, clothes, etc, allows for adequate personal and collective sustainability. Integrate this into the role of socio-spiritual educator and we have a family geared towards long-term survival.
At this time we will examine five attributes that are essential building blocks of the New Age Family Prudent Man. They are as follows: 1) Patience/ Perseverance 2) Integrity 3) Morality 4) Charity 5) Self-Discipline.
Patience/ Perseverance–Either one of these two words are an accurate description. In today’s society, raising a family is one of the most strenuous tasks to undertake. This is evident by the number of single-parent families who are left with no male influence. Poverty, substance abuse, infidelity, and the temptation of “the cares of this world” are just some of the reasons why families are finding it difficult to endure life’s hardships. However, the New Age Prudent Man sees struggle as a prerequisite for progress. He knows that in times of difficulty family bonds are strengthened and growth and development is the reward. He preserves and stays the course our of genuine love of his family and sees them prosper and flourish.
Integrity- This is much more important for any person to have but for the father he must be sincere in his actions and practice what he preaches. Any good leader knows that in order to obtain this respect it means upholding the very discipline he is instilling in them. The father’s job is much more difficult because he lives with his followers and is therefore under severe scrutiny. Any sign of hypocrisy or insincerity is a step towards losing the respect of his family. The New Age Prudent Man not only upholds the moral and discipline he preaches, he does so with complete sincerity and devotion to his family.
Morality- This is devout worship to God, The Creator, All That Is Good and Pure, The Author of Universal Principles and Truth, The Uncaused Cause of All; in human terms: Morality. The New Age Family Prudent Man leans not on his own understanding but seeks guidance in his strong belief in morals and piety. He is submissive to these codes of conduct and does not deviate under any circumstance. He fears not only God but a life that is void of God and Universal Morality. He demands that morals be upheld yet teaches them with the same loving kindness God teaches him. If he is subservient to anyone it is the Universal Creator and the straight and narrow path placed before him.
Charity- This word alone does not do the New Age Family Prudent Man justice. He gives not only of his resources but of himself. He is a pillar of society whose presence within the community is that of a leader. He stands for truth, justice, and righteousness and does not tolerate the denial of these rights to any persons. He is a servant of not only his family but society by teaching, mentoring, and guiding the youth towards moral practices. He believes that it takes a village to raise a child and expresses this through his example of being a father to all. What differentiates the New Age Family Prudent Man from other men is that while they speak of the negative influences in the community, the New Age Family Prudent Man develops methods to eradicate them completely. He is a man of few words and immediate action.
Self-Discipline- Without this attribute the other four are of no significance. When I was a child my beloved father would tell me that “A man’s work in never done.” He demonstrated his belief every morning as he was the first to rise before dawn, dressed, and ready to undertake the job that would never be finished. Discipline drives the New Age Family Prudent Man to fulfill his obligations and find more ways to improve the lives of his family and community. Discipline keeps him focused on the agenda and does not allow for immoral deviations. Lethargy is contradictory has no place for a man entrusted with raising tomorrows pillars of society. His work ethic is inspired by his desire to see his seeds grow into a strong Redwoods and beautiful roses. Discipline waked him up in the morning, laces his boots, and drives him to work. Discipline passes on the bars, nightclubs, and loose women for countless hours of teaching, loving, and enjoying his family. Discipline bows his head throughout the day in humble submission to his Creator in order to generate the energy necessary to keep striving.
The above are only a few attribute and characteristics of the New Age Family Prudent Man but they are most essential. The most important thing any man who raises a family should understand that learning is a constant occurrence and once one feels he has mastered all five of these qualities he begins to atrophy and lose his family. Being a New Age Family Prudent Man is a lifetime commitment and therefore a life long learning process.
Tags: current problems, family, family man, morals, New Age, outreach, parenting, psychological, psychology, religion, religious, self help, spirituality, world issues
