GODLY FATHERS

Faithful   A man of faith will honor his marriage vows, honor his wife, and provide for his family because God expects that of him (1 Peter 3:7; 1 Timothy 5:8).

Action   A man of action will work hard serving God. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Some fathers want others to teach, offer prayers, serve on the Lord’s table, etc. A godly father will want to do his job and lead his children by example.

Teach   What children know about God is learned primarily in the home. “And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). A godly father will be more concerned about his children’s souls than their grades or athletic prowess.

Holy   Fathers should be holy in both conduct and attitude. “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:8). If your children were asked ‘Who is the godliest man you know?’ do you live your life in such a way that you can be their answer.

Encourage   Godly fathers will encourage their children to serve God, always strive to do better, and keep their eyes heavenward. The brightest star in the universes can be out-shown by a flashlight. Why? Because the flashlight is closer! A godly father will be the closest and most encouraging man to his children.

Revere God   To revere God is to respect and honor His word. ” Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity” (Proverbs 28:14). “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28). If a father truly has reverence toward God, he will obey His word and remain faithful to that commitment all his life. And his children, who do not now see the Heavenly Father, will be blessed to see many of His attributes in their worldly father.

If you have a godly father, live your life as a Christian and you will bring honor to him not just today but every day.