What Does Godly Fatherhood Look Like?
Being a father can be a wonderful, amazing, frightening and perplexing experience, and that could all be at the same time! Fatherhood is far from being simple, but our children are a blessing that we should treasure. But what does Godly fatherhood look like?
Parenting requires a lot of time and effort, especially when it comes to being purposeful and available (as opposed to the old-school, hands-off approach that fathers are traditionally known for). As fathers, we have to consider exactly how we can best raise our children by studying the examples and instructions God provides for us.
1. Godly Fathers Love
Firstly, God is our Father who loves us more than we could ever know and has adopted us as his children. Paul calls us “sons of God” in his letter to the Romans:
“For as many are led by the Spirt of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. ”
As our Father, God cares for us and provides for us (Matthew 6:25-34). As our Father, he hears and answers our prayers (Matthew 7:7-11).
Truly the list of how God loves, provides and cares for us is woven throughout the Bible, but the depth of his love is explained in the same chapter of Romans:
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ”
God is truly our example of our Father, and as Godly fathers, we should learn to practice love with our children without fail. Just as we have the assurance of love from our heavenly Father, treating our children in a loving manner will help to build a strong relationship that God desires from us.
2. Godly Fathers Pray and Lean on God’s Word
Praying for our children and leaning on God’s word might sound like a given, but these spiritual disciplines are essential for us to first strengthen our own relationship with God. As men we are seeing through a limited view. We undoubtedly want the best for our children, but what is best for our children? It isn’t always clear.
We can tell our children not to touch a hot stove and not to be mean to their siblings, but when it comes to deeper decisions, the correct choices can become less black and white and a lot greyer. When we hide God’s word in our heart, though, and maintain a regular connection to our Heavenly Father through prayer times, it will give us confidence. Even though we are limited as men, we know that God is infinite.
Paul describes the power of God’s word in his second letter to Timothy:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. ”
Realizing the need to commune with God and ask for direction and favor are essential for a Godly father.
3. Godly Fathers Instruct
Proverbs tells parents that it’s important to direct our children:
“Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it. ”
However, this verse is also a warning. Our children are likely to stumble, and they don’t naturally know how to live in a Godly way. We must instruct them properly with our own Godly examples.
4. Godly Fathers Lead by Example
A Godly father realizes that what he does, models and consistently demonstrates is what will have a profound impact for his children. It’s not simply words of instruction without actions. The need to demonstrate to children is discussed in the Book of Proverbs:
“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine own eyes observe my ways. ”
You can probably remember times when your kids have mimicked you. Sometimes it’s obvious and other times it’s a little more covert. As a Godly father we want our children to observe the right way to do things. We know that when our children are observing bad habits, they are likely to act in the same fashion.
If we want to be Godly fathers, we will demonstrate how to have a true walk with God and build our relationship with God and our children together. We can accomplish this when we:
Read our Bibles
Pray consistently
Teach the principles God
Worship
Serve in ministry
We must be ready to accept the responsibility to teach and model the behaviors of God to our children!
5. Godly Fathers Discipline
Lastly, as a Godly father, it is necessary to discipline our children. The Bible is clear about the need to provide discipline as it helps to direct children and teach them that in life there are consequences.
What discipline is appropriate and to what degree is not always clear, though, and must be prayerfully considered. Discipline and the love that guides discipline is discussed in Hebrews:
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons… ”
The Bottom Line
So, what does Godly fatherhood look like? Ultimately, we are men and we will make mistakes. There is no perfect way to raise children, but God, in his infinite wisdom has inspired our “owners manual,” the Bible.
As Godly fathers we must be more than present — we must be intentional, continually seeking God, praying, teaching, and taking every opportunity to lead by example.
Remember that our children are a gift from God and they will only be in our care for a short time. Let’s make sure that we do all we can to focus on the heavenly things that matter.