At times, fatherhood can be daunting.
Maybe there are moments you don’t have a clue what you’re doing. The swaddling. The tough questions. The disciplining. The nurturing. Other times, maybe it feels like you really earned that “#1 Dad” coffee mug.
But whether you ace the test of fatherhood every time or not, you’ve been given one of the greatest gifts around—a child to guide and direct, mold and teach, raise and nurture. So how can you make sure you get it right?
God is the greatest example of fatherhood we have. You can learn about Him in the Bible, which is the best guidebook to life there is.
Here are some things the Bible—and God Himself—has to say to fathers. After all, why not learn from the best?
Be attentive.
When His followers thought He had better things to do, God welcomed children with open arms. He paid attention to them and took time for them. Your job or hobbies may come and go, but investing in your children is priceless.
Set an example.
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but you can’t forget that you have someone looking up to you. That’s what kids do, and they don’t grow out of it. Do you want your children following in your footsteps? Follow God’s lead as you strive to be loving, forgiving, firm and fair.
Empower your children.
God guides us and gives us wisdom. He’s also compassionate and wants what’s best for us. Encourage your kids. Support them. Teach them and lead them. It takes patience—and may give you a few gray hairs—but they’ll thank you for it.
Don’t do it alone.
Being a man isn’t about proving to others how strong and capable you are. That’s ego. Being a man, and especially being a father, is about knowing how dependent you are on others to do your job well. Particularly how dependent you are on God. You’re not meant to do this alone.
Pray.
Praying is talking to God, and we already established that He’s the best mentor you’ve got. Talk to Him about your children. Pray for the strength and wisdom you need to be a good father. Even Jesus prayed to His Father, so you know it’s important.
