Director of Youth Affairs, CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samson O. Gbuyiro
By Boluwatife Oparinde
As June 16 marks the celebration of Fathers' Days across the world, fathers have been challenged to be perfect reflection and mirror of God to their children, wives and the world at large.
The Director of Youth Affairs, Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samson Gbuyiro made this call on Sunday at the Father's Day celebration at CAC Chapel of Grace, Akobo, Ibadan.
Explaining the background of the Epistles of John with focus on 1 John 2:1-13, the cleric expounded that the epistles were written to counter the existence of gnosticism of the day, stressing that the accuracy of assessing fathers must be on the standard of the word of God.
Speaking on the topic "A True Father in the Mirror of God's Word", Pastor Gbuyiro addressed that their assessment must not be based on societal, social or economic standards, but rather on the word of God.
"A true father is not on the assessment or standard of this world, but in the mirror of the word of God. This shows that Christians must not see things in the way of the world but in the world," he said.
Addressing the men and youths, the clergyman expressed that only the men who conquer the battle of their youth can enjoy the benefits of old age.
Emphasizing how the moral decadence of today's world imply a period of battle, he stated that when you find anyone who is moral and decent in today's world, such a person has conquered (the world).
Expositing the text of the sermon, he said "when you are looking for a true father, the basis of being a true father is the knowledge of God. One who doesn't know God can not be a true father."
The CAC Youth Director told the congregants that knowing culture and traditions is not enough for fathers, as any child who falls in the hands of a father who does not know God is at danger.
"It is the responsibility of fathers to secure a good future for their children in God. The duty of fathers is to portray and reflect the fatherhood of God," he added.
Pastor Gbuyiro told fathers that the first requirement of fatherhood is the revelation of the knowledge of God.