Being a dad is the hardest job you’ll ever have, and it doesn’t come with an instruction manual. But if we listen to God's word, apply it to our lives and allow it to transform our hearts and influence our actions, it will point us in the right direction.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16: 13–14
The passage above summarizes how we should strive to live our lives, rely on God, do the right thing, and love those around us. It's a framework for fatherhood, as well as the principles we should instill in our kids.
Be watchful.
We live in a distracted world where it's all too easy to lose focus and drift from what's important. Satan knows this and will try to exploit it. Be intentional with your time. Stay plugged in and take an active role in your kids' lives.
Stand firm in the faith.
The older your kids get, the more complex parenting becomes. You won’t succeed all the time but don’t lose hope. Pray over your children and their circumstances. Trust in the Lord's response and be confident that He will show you the right path.
Act like men, be strong.
Better yet, act like an adult. As your kids get old enough to talk back, Satan will tempt you to engage them at their level. I encourage you to take the high road. If that means walking away, then walk away. It takes courage and strength in obedience to the Lord to do this but be confident in his power (Ephesians 6:4).
Let all that you do be done in love.
Love conquers all. It’s not a cliche. Every single decision and every action you take as a father should be done through the filter of love. One of the best examples of a father’s love for his child is the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32). No matter what they do, or bad decisions they might make, love your kids.
Are you allowing God’s word to inspire and influence how you parent?
