Terry’s Take… March Week Four
The Role of the Christian Father
Have you ever taken the time to think about the kind of a father you want to be? As a Christian, the Word will always be our guide. The best way to raise one’s kids is with an understanding of what the Lord wants us to do.
The Bible offers us scores of lessons that apply to the role of fatherhood. Here are just five principles to take to heart:
1. Training and Disciplining Your Kids
As a father, one of your key duties is to teach your children what is right and wrong, and the differences between good and bad.
Second, your kids need to know that you are always there for them to offer guidance and support as they learn how to navigate through this world.
If your children do anything wrong, it is also important that you stand by your conviction and offer some discipline as the Lord commands. Remember, you do all of this in love. To quote the Scripture, “…the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them” (Proverbs 13:24).
Ensure you start training them and showing them the way at an early age, as young as possible. As the Bible states on such matters, “Even when they grow old, they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).
2. Providing for Your Family
The Bible says, a father must be a good protector and provider for his family.
But as you work hard to provide for your family and ensure they have the best that life can offer… remember not to get caught up pursuing earthly materials. You might end up neglecting the emotional needs of your children, which is as important.
Your children need to see you, talk to you, and bond with you daily. Regardless of how busy your work schedule is, it is important that you learn how to balance work and personal life. Ensure that you create time to be with your children.
3. Being a Father Like God the Father
If you are looking for an example of a good father to follow… then our Heavenly Father is an excellent example of the kind of Christian father you need to be to your children. A father who is filled with love, compassion, patience, and care. These are the key fatherly characteristics you need to emulate to raise your children in the ways of our Lord.
4. Never Giving Up on Your Kids and Family
Do you remember the famous parable of the prodigal son? In this parable, a son squanders his father’s inheritance, and as a result he suffers incredible hardship. He comes to the point of finally giving up on life.
However, his father had not given up on him… and welcomes him back to his home with open arms.
Life is not always smooth sailing. It can be challenging and lead one to feel like giving up. But as a Christian, no matter how daunting the fathering task seems, you should never give up. Stay strong and stand firm in your belief, and know that our heavenly Father is always with you every step of the way.
5. Pray for Your Family
Always keep your family in your prayer. Remember that prayers work miracles; they can move a mountain and change any situation in life. When you lift your family in prayer every day, they always feel protected and cared for. They are always confident in life, knowing that their father remembers to keep them in prayer. They have no reason to be fearful for any reason.
Today’s Resource:
“Father’s Compass: 21 Insights to Guide Dads Through the Journey of Fatherhood Paperback” by Jeremy Pryor
Fatherhood is complex and confusing. Modern culture isn’t helping. This book offers 21 insights to navigate toward God’s design for fatherhood.
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