This Sunday we will pay honor and respect to our fathers.

The first Father’s Day recognition happened in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910.

Since an official Mother’s Day had begun to take root in 1909 in West Virginia, it seemed natural to follow suit with a day for fathers.

However, some men’s groups did not approve of having Father’s Day.

They frowned on flowers and cards and saw it as a commercial exploit to sell gifts for dad that dad was likely going to pay for.

During the 1920s and ‘30s groups rallied in New York wanting to scrap separate mom’s and dad’s days in favor of a single Parent’s Day.

But the Great Depression and WWII became strong catalysts to honor hardworking dads and soldiers.

Even though Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official in 1914, it wasn’t until 1972 that Richard Nixon made Father’s Day a federal holiday.

A Parent’s Day, like National Grandparent’s Day since 1978, could have its merit, but moms and dads play very distinct roles.

After all, the fifth commandment says, “Honor thy father and thy mother.”

It doesn’t say, “Honor thy parents.”

The Bible says to honor our two parents separately for a reason.

Perhaps it is simply that girls and boys have very distinct needs that are best met by two distinct gender models.

A young girl needs proper affirmation from the primary male figure in her life, her father.

Only a father in the home has the opportunity to teach by daily example the proper way for his son to treat women by how he treats his wife.

Only a father (or a father figure) can give the approval that every son longs for and needs for his self-esteem.

But what if you have or had a dishonorable father?

Regardless of their worthiness, you honor your parents by living a godly life.

We each can bring honor or shame to our fathers and mothers by how we live.

This weekend may we bring honor to our fathers.

Happy Father’s Day!

Next week: Confession is good for the soul