The role of a believing father goes far beyond providing for the material needs of his children. Scripture emphasises that fathers have a vital responsibility to nurture their children spiritually, to teach them God’s ways, and to model a life that reflects Christ’s character in mindset, speech and behaviour.
Psalm 44:1; Our text reminds us of the legacy of faith passed down through generations: “We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us, The deeds You did in their days, In days of old.”
This beautiful verse highlights the deep importance of fathers sharing their faith in Christ and recounting God’s works to their children. We shall attempt to expand on this concept from a biblical perspective:
1. Teaching God’s Word to Your Children
A believing father is called to be a teacher of God’s Word in the home. It is not just the responsibility of the church or Sunday school to teach children about God; fathers play a central role in this spiritual instruction.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7:
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
Fathers are to make God’s Word an integral part of daily life, weaving it into conversations and experiences. This requires intentionality and consistency.
- How can we apply this? Spend time reading the Bible with your children, memorizing verses, and discussing how God’s principles apply to everyday situations. Make the word of God real for them. Let them see how they can apply God’s word in their world
2. Building a One-to-One Relationship with Your Children
Fathers are encouraged to develop meaningful, personal relationships with their children. This is more than just providing discipline; it includes love, communication, and involvement in their lives.
- Colossians 3:21:
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
Fathers must build their children up, not tear them down with anger or neglect. A strong relationship requires patience, encouragement, and love.
- Proverbs 22:6:
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Training also involves knowing and adapting to your child’s unique personality, strengths, and weaknesses, which requires time and personal investment.
- How can we apply this? Spend quality one-on-one time with each child, listening to them, playing together, and understanding their struggles and joys.
3. Father’s Lead by Example
Children learn more from what they see than from what they hear. A father who lives out his faith authentically and consistently demonstrates to his children what it means to follow Christ. If your child has never seen you pray, it will be difficult to make them all of a sudden love the spiritual discipline of prayer.
- 1 Corinthians 11:1:
“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
Fathers should strive to live in such a way that their children can imitate their faith and godly behaviour.
- Proverbs 20:7:
“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.”
Always remember that a father’s integrity and faithfulness create a legacy of blessings for his children.
- How can we apply this? Model Christ-like behaviour in your interactions with others, your work ethic, and your worship. Apologise when you make mistakes to show humility and dependence on God.
4. Taking Your Children to Church
The decline in children attending church in the UK is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Let us consider 3 of these factors.
- Changing Religious Beliefs: A significant number of young people in the UK identify as having no religion. This shift in beliefs has led to fewer children participating in church activities.
- Lifestyle Changes: Modern lifestyles and busy schedules can make it challenging for families to prioritize church attendance. This is especially true for families with children involved in various extracurricular activities.
- Perception of Relevance: Some young people may feel that church services and activities are not relevant to their lives or interests. This perception can lead to decreased participation.
This is where the role of a believing father is important in shaping the destinies of the children for Christ Jesus. Fathers are responsible for ensuring that their children grow up in a community of faith. The church provides teaching, fellowship, and opportunities for spiritual growth, but fathers must take the initiative to make church attendance a priority.
- Hebrews 10:24-25:
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Fathers must lead their families in prioritizing communal worship and fellowship with other believers.
- Joshua 24:15:
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Fathers are spiritual leaders who set the direction for their families to follow God wholeheartedly.
- How can we apply this? Be consistent in taking your children to church, participating in worship, and serving together as a family.
5. Praying for and with Your Children
Prayer is a powerful tool that fathers can use to intercede for their children and teach them to depend on God.
- Job 1:5:
“So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, ‘It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.’ Thus Job did regularly.”
A godly father prays regularly for the spiritual well-being of his children.
- Ephesians 6:18:
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
Fathers should teach their children to pray and rely on God for guidance and strength.
- How can we apply this? Establish a family prayer time, pray with your children individually about their concerns, and show them the importance of thanking God and seeking His guidance.
6. Loving Unconditionally
A father’s love should reflect the unconditional love of God. This builds security and confidence in children and helps them understand the nature of God’s love.
- Luke 15:20:
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”
Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, earthly fathers should demonstrate unconditional love and forgiveness. Learn to say ‘I love you’ and ‘I am proud of you’ regularly to your children; it builds them up
- Ephesians 6:4:
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
Discipline must always be accompanied by love, never harshness or cruelty.
- Constantly and continuously affirm your love for your children regularly, even when correcting them, and reassure them of God’s love.
Conclusion
A believing father’s role is multidimensional, encompassing teaching, guiding, loving, and modelling Christlike behaviour. Fathers have the God-given privilege and responsibility of shaping their children’s spiritual foundation, helping them to know and follow God. As fathers fulfil this role, they leave a lasting legacy of faith that can impact generations to come.
By being intentional in teaching God’s Word, fostering relationships, leading by example, and creating a home grounded in prayer and love, fathers fulfil their divine calling.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, fathers can confidently raise children who will one day proclaim, “We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us.”
God bless you
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer-Point: Father in heaven, please help me as a father to raise my children in the fear of the Lord, all the days of my life, in Jesus Name
This, Feast of light, is a laudable vehicle to convey Godly message in the light of raising children up in the knowledge of God from the early stages of their lives and transcending to adulthood. Further more, its utmost importance cannot be ignored in this ever changing world of the emergence of human attitudes which depart from the path of God. With its creation, mankind will be nutured back into the divine purview of God’s plan for humanity. It is a welcome piece of heavenly work.
Thank you Uncle Ben for all your support and prayers. My wife and I love you. God bless you in Jesus Name. Amen