There is nothing easy about being a father, especially nowadays. Well, we hear your pain. But, an honest look at history reveals a comforting familiarity to the foundational premise. The fact is dads have been throwing their hands up in the air for literally thousands of years. Fortunately for us, this means we don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
You may view Scripture as some ancient, out-of-date text that has nothing to say about modern day life. Think again. There is a lot to glean and it may actually change the way you parent. Check out these 10 things Scripture says about being a father.
1. Be your child’s “First Teacher” (Proverbs 22:6)
It’s our responsibility to “train up a child in the way he/she should go.” Not the school, not the government, but you—and that means dad.
2. Dads need to exemplify a good life (2 Cor. 3:2-3)
Scripture teaches that who we are and how we live is like a “letter from God.” Our kids read that letter, every day.
3. Provide for your family (I Tim. 5:8)
For those of you struggling to find work, don’t get down on yourself. This idea is more about your heart and desire. Being a father who provides covers more than rent and food. As dads, it’s our responsibility to make sure our family’s needs are addressed across the board. Be encouraged and look for ways to give to your family even when it is hard to financially.
4. Good dads discipline their children (Proverbs 13: 24)
The one who loves their children, Scripture says, “is careful to discipline them.” This is also about proactive leadership in our homes.
5. Dads spend time with their children, and it’s not empty time (Deut. 6: 6-9)
The Scriptures are clear that dads must engage their children in the kind of deep, heart-to-heart conversations that impart more than facts, but teach wisdom. Schedule some regular “conversational walks” with your children, one on one. Family time that counts.
6. Compassion is a “dad” characteristic
A father has compassion for his children. Psalm 103:13 points out, “so the LORD has compassion.”
7. “Put your money where your mouth is”
Well, not in those exact words. But James 1:22 instructs us to not only be “hearers” of God’s word but “doers” also.
8. Don’t provoke your children (Ephesians 6:4)
The alternative, the Scripture suggests, is to raise them to be young people of faith.
Children who know that their dads pray for them every day own a deep sense of love and security.9. Dads never give up on their kids
The story of “The Prodigal Son” (Luke 15:20-24) is the story of a father who never gives up hope and is ready to receive his child back with open arms. We can discipline, we can hold accountable, but we must never give up.
10. Dads pray for their children (1 Chronicles 29:19)
King David prayed for his son, Solomon. Children who know without any doubt that their dads pray for them every day own a deep sense of love and security.
