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 You may view Scripture as some ancient, out-of-date text that has nothing to say about modern day life.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 information 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 (NIV)
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
It’s our responsibility to “Instruct a child in the way he/she should go.” Not the school, not the government, but you, the dad.
2. Dads need to demonstrate a good life
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NIV)
You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
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
1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV)
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 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 (NIV)
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
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 your children
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NIV)
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.
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 should be a dad's trait
Psalm 103:13 (NIV)
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
A father has compassion for his children. “As the LORD has compassion for us.”
7. “Put your money where your mouth is”
James 1:22 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James instructs us to not only be “hearers” of God’s word but “doers” also.
8. Don’t provoke your children
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Dad’s don’t irritated and frustrated there children, but raise them to be a young person of faith.
9. Dads never give up on their kids
The story of “The Prodigal Son” 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 them accountable, but we must never give up on them.
Luke 15:20-24 (NIV)
So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
10. Dads pray for their children
1 Chronicles 29:19 (NIV)
And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.”
King David prayed for his son, Solomon.
Children who know without any doubt that their Father prays for them every day own a deep sense of love and security.
Awesome! love it!