A Christian father’s first and greatest responsibility is to acquaint his children with God through Scripture. One of the reasons this is so important is because what children learn about God will put them in good standing throughout their lives, no matter what they do and where they go.
The truth is, it isn’t easy to be a good father. However, there are a few principles that can help. Successful Christian fathers have found that they and their families benefit when they follow the wisdom found in the Bible. Here are five principles Christian fathers live by:
They Make Time for Their Family
A good Christian father makes time for his family and anchors his family in Christ. He provides the needs of his family. No other teacher can affect a child as much as his / her parents. For this reason, it’s important that fathers teach their children both by their example and their words. A Christian father not only meets the physical needs of his family, but also the emotional needs of his family as well. The family turns to him as a support in all areas of need and he provides as best he can.
They Love and Respect Their Wives
A Christian father loves and respects his wife. He serves as an example to his children of what a loving relationship looks like so that they may also reflect it in their lives, particularly when it comes to their marriages. When a man enters into a covenant relationship with his bride, he commits to the responsibilities of loving, honoring and cherishing her. The strength a Christian husband needs in order to carry out these responsibilities flows out of his relationship with God. This requires dependence on God’s Spirit. They ultimately give his wife what she needs most – to be loved, honored and cherished.
They Give Loving Discipline and Commendation
The Bible tells us, “Fathers, don’t over-correct your children, or they will grow up feeling inferior and frustrated.” (Colossians 3:21). A Christian father doesn’t just discipline. He disciplines lovingly and commends his children in the process. No matter how frustrated or angry he gets, he expresses loving concern for the welfare of his children. This includes advice, correction, education and chastisement when needed. In addition, he recognizes that discipline is way more effective when a father commends his children regularly. A wise father seeks to make obedience desirable and attainable by love and gentleness. This enriches a child’s character as he / she will know when he / she is acknowledged and appreciated.
They Are Good Communicators
A Christian father should be a good communicator, not only communicating biblical principles to their children, but also being a careful listener. Instead of being a reaction waiting to happen, he has the ability to listen calmly without being judgmental. When children know their fathers will lose their temper quickly, they are less likely to communicate their inner feelings to them. But when they know their fathers listen calmly, they believe they are respected and that there is a genuine interest in what is being said.
They Apply God’s Practical Wisdom
A Christian father will apply God’s practical wisdom to his everyday life and guide his children in the same way. Deuteronomy 6:5-6 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.” Fathers who are in a committed relationship with God can guide their children in the greatest relationship they will ever have – an intimate relationship with their heavenly Father.
The greatest example of what a father should look like is God, Himself. The Bible reveals that there is only one perfect Father who is God. The pages of the New Testament give us an incredible glimpse of the marvelous relationship between God the Father and Christ the Son. On three separate occasions, the Bible records these words of the Father to His Son: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”. This is the kind of relationship fathers should strive for with their children. There is no greater source than God, the greatest Father of all. (LESLI WHITE)
A BLESSED FATHER’S DAY TO ALL FATHERS, GRANDFATHERS & SPIRITUAL FATHERS
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR YOUR “IMMEASURABLY MORE”?
How’s your morning been? Your week? Your month? We live in a world of crazy deadlines, commitments, and opinions. Sometimes it feels like we’re barely keeping our heads above water. Pause, take a breath, and soak in Ephesians 3:14-21. Paul’s prayer for the church of Ephesus is a wonderful reminder of how much more God wants for our lives than our short-sighted vision shows us.
This beautiful prayer depicts the wonderful relationship Jesus invites us to. The only way to experience the fullness of Jesus’ love is to let Him fully into our lives. God works through us not by pushing us around, but through His Holy Spirit’s guidance. The business of life can drown out the whispers of the Holy Spirit showing us how loved and cherished we are by our Creator. Paul prays we’re strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and we’re given the power to realize just how deep and wide God’s love is for us (Ephesians 3:16-18).
God’s love surpasses our knowledge and our circumstances (Ephesians 3:19). Our lens is infinitely smaller than God’s picture and His plans for our lives. God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). The best-case scenarios in our heads are nothing compared to what God promises to do.
We can pray the same prayer today — that every day we would invite Jesus further into our lives. When we do, we’ll start to see God do more than we ever could dream possible. Let’s not let the pace of our lives cause us to miss our “immeasurably more.”
Reflect:
• Is the pace of your life allowing you to reflect on the truths Paul highlights in this prayer? Why or why not? Does something need to change?
• How does knowing the depth of God’s love help you face your challenges?
• What’s the best-case scenario in your current situation? Reflect on the truth that God wants infinitely more for you than even this. (NEWSPRING CHURCH)