I was at a friend’s home when her five-year-old son came marching into the living room, wearing his father’s army boots and hat. With a serious, grown-up voice, he saluted everyone in the room—even the dog and the cat. Then, turning to his mom, he said, “I’m off to work now, sweetie.” He was so cute! There was no mistaking who he was imitating.
Children absorb everything, both positive and negative. As parents, we have a significant responsibility to ensure our example is one worthy of being imitated. Fathers play a crucial role in reflecting God’s qualities to their children. What an amazing privilege!
How does a father reflect God’s ways?
When a man is born again, his spirit is made alive, enabling him to be conformed to God’s ways. But to truly reflect the Heavenly Father, he must have a sincere desire to be fully submitted to Him. The Bible reminds us:
“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.”
Isaiah 64:8
A godly father exhibits certain qualities that reflect his relationship with God. When an earthly father is reflecting the Heavenly Father, HIS light shines through him.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.”
James 1:17-18
Some hallmarks of a godly father are:
A Close Relationship with God:
Godly fatherhood begins in the heart. Many men desire their children to have a relationship with God, but it starts with the father having a personal relationship with Him.
Love and Honor for the Mother:
A father who loves and honors the mother of his children sets an example that encourages their love and respect for her.
Taking Responsibility for Spiritual Training:
A godly father takes responsibility for his children’s spiritual training and doesn’t rely solely on the mother or the church. Financial stability is less critical than spiritual stability. The father cannot give away what he does not possess.
Modeling Selfless Service:
A godly father models selfless service, following the examples of Jesus and the early apostles. He involves his children in acts of service, teaching them the importance of helping others.
Consistency and Security:
Consistency helps a child feel secure. Inconsistency breeds anxiety and confusion. A godly father strives to be consistent in his words and actions, providing a stable environment for his children.
Appropriate Discipline:
A godly father exercises appropriate discipline and doesn’t leave this responsibility solely to the mother or expect the school to teach important values like self-discipline and respect.
Freedom from Addictions:
A godly father works hard to keep himself free from addictions. While drugs and alcohol create a home environment marked by insecurity, fear, and depression, other addictions like gluttony and laziness produce equally harmful effects.
Humble and Wise Leadership:
My friend, godly leadership is not about fear and control; it is about humbly submitting to God and practicing what one preaches. A godly father leads in humility and wisdom, allowing his children to witness his example.
Let us be inspired to encourage the fathers in our life to reflect on the immense love bestowed upon EACH us by OUR Heavenly Father:
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”
I John 3:1a
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
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2 Responses
every day is a battle, to fight, I have held on to a lot of my earthly father’s habits and I pray for freedom in Jesus name amen
Yes…we have to pray for habits of freedom!