Role Confusion
“Any fool can be a Dad, it takes a real man to be a Father”, is a quote I have heard most all my life. It is true, it only takes one sexual encounter to become a dad, but what do you do after that? The answer determines. whether you are the fool in the quote above or the father you were created to be.
I firmly believe that many today think that their reason for being here is to quench their sexual desires with as many as possible, without ever considering the repercussions to themselves, their female partner or the resulting children. So what is this thing called fatherhood and what are we missing?
Fatherly Examples
I have had many examples of my life of both a good and bad father, but the important thing is they were trying. They at least took on their responsibilities and were present for the most part. When the going got tough, they hunkered down and stayed. Didn’t always get it right, but they stayed and that is what is important.
My dad, was a hard worker, a workaholic is probably a better term. He wasn’t perfect, but he did the best he could. Growing up a single child, he wasn’t the best at relationships, but he was present. My Grandfather on my Dad’s side, died when I was young but my memories of him as a strong, loving man remain to this day. I was his favorite as the only boy of 5 kids. My mom’s dad I only knew from afar, but I can tell you that my mom’s home was broken from my earliest recollection. We never were close.
I share all of that to say this. We are all different, with different experiences, but that does not negate our responsibilities as a man to be a father to our own children and to those younger men and boys that have been placed in our sphere of influence. So what does that mean, and what does it look like?
A Godly Example of Fatherhood
Based on what I have learned from examples in my own life and what the word of God says, I could spend years here, recording everything contained within the Bible. I have paired it down to a few important characteristics that I think can help us all.
Eight Characteristics of a Godly Father
1. Spiritual Leader: He leads his family in prayer, Bible study, and worship, setting an example of faith and spiritual growth.
2. Loving and Patient: He shows love, kindness, and patience to his family, even in challenging moments.
3. Godly Role Model: He sets a good example for his children, modeling integrity, honesty, and moral values.
4. Supportive and Encouraging: He supports and encourages his family members in their endeavors, celebrating their successes and helping them through failures.
5. Responsible and Reliable: He takes responsibility for providing for his family’s needs and is reliable in keeping his promises.
6. Forgiving and Merciful: He extends grace and forgiveness to his family, just as God does for us.
7. Prayerful and Seeker of Wisdom: He seeks guidance from God’s Word and prayer, asking for wisdom to lead his family.
8. Selfless and Sacrificial: He puts his family’s needs before his own, making sacrifices for their well-being and happiness.
These characteristics reflect a dad who strives to follow God’s design for fatherhood, leading his family with love, wisdom, and grace.
Summary
Thanks for playing along, remember “All of Life is Ministry”!
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