“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
Psalm 127:3-5
As I was searching for a Scripture to use this morning, I realized that there were many I wanted to share with you concerning fathers and the occasion that we will celebrate this Sunday: Father’s Day.
As I sat down to write, this question came to my mind, “What makes a good dad?” I think the best way to answer this question is to go to God’s word and see what He tells us a Godly dad looks like:
1) A Godly dad should mirror God’s image.
“So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them.”
Genesis 1:27
I believe the only way to be truly successful as a father is to follow God’s example. We are told here in this verse that God created all of us in His image. That tells me that we were created to be like God and to mirror His ways. To be successful as a father, I believe you must first learn from your Heavenly father.
2) A Godly dad should teach his children Godly ways.
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
You shall teach them diligently to your children,
and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
and when you walk by the way,
and when you lie down,
and when you rise.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
As a father, God has given you the job of passing down to your children the things which you have learned in His word. I believe this is the most important job you will have.
3) A Godly dad should stay plugged in.
“He must manage his own household well,
with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
for if someone does not know how to manage his own household,
how will he care for God’s church?”
1 Timothy 3:4-5
I can not say I know what it is like to be a father, but I am sure that there are times when all that is required of you can seem more than you can handle. Let this verse be encouraging to you today. Remember: God will never ask you to do anything that He has not equipped you to do. This verse gives you a commandment, therefore, God has equipped you with the tools to complete it. Proverbs 3:6 says:
“In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.”
4) Carry your task out to the end.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;
he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.”
Proverbs 23:24
My husband and I are still in the process of raising our children, so I can only imagine the joy that comes from knowing you have raised Godly children. I am sure that there are times when your job as a father may seem hopeless. Be encouraged today that your work is not in vain. God will bless your efforts if you will do what He has called you to do to the best of our ability.
There is one final verse I want to share this morning. I know that in spite of your greatest efforts, each child has to make the choice of whether or not to follow the teaching that his father has instilled in him. Let this verse be an encouragement to your heart today. Proverbs 22:6 tells us:
“Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
This does not mean that our children will always make the right choices. I believe that it means no matter what choices they make, the things you have taught them, and the ways of God that you have planted in their hearts will never leave them. They may choose to stray, but at some point in their lives, those words you taught them will come back to them.
Fathers, be encouraged today! If you are walking in the truth and doing your best to raise your children in the same truth, God is going to bless that. Remember, God has given you a very important job to do, and He has equipped you to do it.
God bless each father, not only this weekend, but every day hereafter.
********************************************************************************************************************
I have to take a moment to say, “Happy Father’s Day” to my dad, who raised us up in the word of God and is still showing us what it means to be a Godly father, and grandfather. I love you daddy. Thank you for all that you do for your family.
I also have to say a very special, “Happy Father’s Day” to my husband and the father to my beautiful children. Thank you for always providing for us and for teaching our children the ways of God in everything that you do. I thank God every day for blessing me with a Godly man to lead our family.
Last but not least, to all the dads who will be celebrating Father’s Day this weekend: God bless you all. You are each one of a kind and this world could not run without you. Stay in the Word, learn from the Master, and then pass those things along to your children so that they may be able to grow into Godly men and women.
God Bless each of you today.
Encouragement For Every Day 