What does it mean to be a godly father?

Answer

Fatherhood was one of the initial responsibilities given to men by God. Right after creating Adam and Eve, God instructed them to “be fruitful and multiply” «And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. », (Genesis 1:28). One of His main intentions for marriage was to have children who would spread God’s praise and glory throughout the earth. However, contributing sperm for conception is just the beginning of God’s expectations for fathers. Sperm may create a child, but it requires a genuine man to be a father. Some men who aspire to be good fathers lack a clear understanding of what a godly fatherhood entails, so this article will discuss some attributes of a godly father.

1. A godly father knows God. This should be obvious, but many men desire their children to have a relationship with God without having one themselves. They rely on their wives to take the children to church, trust the preacher to instill godly values, and assume they are fulfilling their role by exposing their children to godliness. However, children imitate what they see. If Dad does not prioritize obedience to God, why should they? If Dad does not lead the family spiritually, it must not be important. Therefore, godly fatherhood begins within a man’s heart. He regards his own relationship with God as the most significant one in his life and exemplifies that godliness for his children.

2. A godly father loves and respects his wife. It has been said that the greatest gift a father can give his children is to love their mother. When children witness healthy, loving interactions between their parents as they grow up, they naturally strive to replicate that in their own marriages. SaSadly, children often do not witness their fathers and mothers expressing love towards each other. Even if a man is divorced or single, he can still exemplify respectful behavior towards his child’s mother; if he is remarried, he can display a loving relationship with his current wife “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”, (Ephesians 5:25,28) “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”, (Ephesians 5:25,28).

A godly father accepts responsibility for his children’s spiritual training. Too often, the children’s upbringing is left to the mother while the father views a paycheck as his sole contribution to the family. While providing financially for a family is a crucial duty for fathers “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”, (1 Timothy 5:8), it is not their sole responsibility. While he may entrust much of the day-to-day teaching to his wife, a godly father still carries responsibility. For instance, he should pray with his children and discuss with them what the Bible teaches. He fosters Christian character in his children through his example as well as his verbal teachings and the standards of behavior he establishes for and enforces with his children.

A godly father is consistently mindful of his influence. “Do what I say, not what I do” has unfortunately been the mindset of many fathers. Little eyes observe and learn from observing Dad’s actions, regardless of what he professes to believe. Sons, especially, require male role models to demonstrate how to grow into men. Dads may not realize it, but everything they do impacts their children.

Words alone are not sufficient. Consider what a child might learn from these paternal instructions:

• “Church is significant, so you all go, but I’m staying home to watch football.”

• “Do not lie to me, but inform that person on the phone that I am not here.”

• “I just argued with our neighbor, but if I hear you using those words, you will be reprimanded.”

• “Stay away from drugs and alcohol. Now bring me a beer and my cigarettes.”

5. A godly father models selfless service. Much of Jesus’ earthly life was dedicated to serving others. As followers of Jesus, we are to emulate that service «even as the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. », (Matthew 20:28). Godly fathers find ways to involve their children in that service. “Let’s go over and mow Mrs. Jones’ yard. Her husband had surgery, and she has a new baby.” When children grow up observing Dad serving the Lord selflessly, they internalize those values.

6. A godly father is consistent. Nothing confuses children more than inconsistency, either in discipline or example. A father who is angry one minute and loving the next creates insecurity in his children. Dads need to be cautious not to vent their frustrations on their children and later justify their behavior by saying, “I was just upset.” Godly fathers direct their anger appropriately, practice forgiveness, and never allow anger to sow confusion in their children. If Dad promises to do something, he must follow through. Children need to know what to anticipate from their fathers.

7. A godly father disciplines his children appropriately. Discipline is a crucial aspect of parenting and should not be neglected or solely left to the wife. Hebrews 12:9–10 reminds us that earthly fathers disciplined us for our own good and our heavenly Father.R does the same. Wise discipline helps children learn to control themselves and keeps them out of serious trouble (Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 18:19). Correct discipline is not abusive, vengeful, or sporadic. A child should know where the boundary lines are, and he should also know with absolute certainty what happens when he crosses those lines.

8. A godly father does not allow himself to be controlled by outside influences. Addictions, such as alcohol, drugs, or pornography, often create a home environment marked by insecurity, fear, and depression. Fathers who display addictive behaviors often teach their children to do the same. Godly fathers are controlled only by the Holy Spirit: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” (Ephesians 5:18). Children tend to adopt whatever gods their parents consistently worshiped; thus, alcohol and drug abuse is passed from generation to generation (see Exodus 20:4-5). However, children who watch their fathers run to Jesus with their problems can learn to imitate that healthy behavior.

9. A godly father is a man under authority. Due to his sinful nature, a man will fight to be his boss. In many cultures, it is considered admirable to “answer to no one.” However, Jesus demonstrated that He was a Man under the authority of His heavenly Father (John 5:19; John 12:49). He readily gave credit to God for His successes and submitted Himself fully to the will of God: “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” (John 8:29). A godlyMy father will live as a man under God’s authority and that of God-given earthly institutions, such as employment, church, and government (1 Peter 2:18; Romans 13:1-2; Hebrews 13:17).

A godly father will lead. The world is in desperate need of men who will lead wisely. Leadership is not domination or control. A leader is one who goes first. He sets the pace for the family by practicing what he preaches. He is on the lookout for dangers and takes initiative to protect his family from them. He meets first with God so that when he presents a plan to his family, they have confidence that he is following the direction of the Holy Spirit. He leads them to a healthy, Bible-teaching church. He leads them in personal devotions. He leads them away from worldliness. He leads his wife as her confidant and champion. He leads his children to come to know Christ. He leads in his community through charitable service and wise counsel. He leads at church by serving according to his gifts. And he leads other men to follow his example. He is a man that his children can be proud of “Children’s children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers.” (Proverbs 17:6).

Regardless of a man’s past or his own parentage, he has the potential to be a godly father. The qualifications for an elder or deacon found in 1 Timothy 3:1-12 are a good standard for all of us. A father who adheres to those guidelines will do well. If he seeks the Lord with all his heart (Proverbs 3:5-6), strives to keep his priorities straight, and lets love and humility define him, any Christian father can become a man that his children are honored to call “Dad.”