What Does It Mean To Be A Christian Father?

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Christian Parenting

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27 April 2021
By Mo Mulla

Have you ever taken the time to think about the kind of a father you want to be? While there is nothing more fulfilling than knowing you have guided and taught your children in the ways of the Lord, raising kids comes with a set of its own challenges.

As a Christian, the Word will always be our guide. What better way to raise one’s kids than with an understanding of what the Lord wants us to do?

There are many people out there that think and see the Bible as an outdated book, and that it has nothing worth contributing to the world.

Contrary to this popular belief, the Bible comes packed with many lessons that one can apply in life, especially when it comes to parenthood and fatherhood.

Five Important Principles To Follow

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1. Training & Disciplining Your Kids

Key scripture: Proverbs 3:11-12, Proverbs 22:6 & Ephesians 6:4

As a father, one of your key duties is to raise your child in the ways of our good Lord, which means that you need to be the first guide and teacher your children come across in life. Teach them what is right and wrong, and the differences between good and bad.

Second, your kids need to know that you are always there for them to offer guidance and support as they learn how to navigate through this world.

If your children do anything wrong, it is also important that you stand by your conviction and offer some discipline as the Lord commands. Remember, you do all of this in love. To quote the Scripture, "...the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them" (Proverbs 13:24 NIV).

Ensure you start training them and showing them the way at an early age, as young as possible. As the Bible states on such matters, "Even when they grow old, they will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6).

A father smiling with their son

2. Providing For Your Family

Key scripture: 1 Timothy 5:8

As a Christian father, the Bible says, you must also be a good protector and provider for your family.

But as you work hard to provide for your family and ensure they have the best that life can offer, it is important that you do not get caught up pursuing earthly materials. You might end up neglecting the emotional needs of your children, which is as important.

Your children need to see you, talk to you, and bond with you daily. Regardless of how busy your work schedule is, it is important that you learn how to balance work and personal life. Ensure that you create time to be with your children.

3. Being A Father Like God The Father

Key scripture: Psalms 103:13 & Malachi 4:6

If you are looking for an example of a good father to follow, there is no need to look any further. Our everlasting Father is an excellent example of the kind of Christian father you need to be to your children. A father who is filled with love, compassion, patience, and care. These are the key fatherly characteristics you need to emulate to raise your children in the ways of our Lord.

4. Never Giving Up On Your Kids & Family

Key scripture: Luke 15:20-24 & Isaiah 43:2

Do you remember the famous parable of the prodigal son? In this famous parable, the son finds his way back to his father’s home after undergoing a lot of hardships and suffering and is finally giving up on life.

However, his father had not given up on him and welcomed him back to his home with open arms.

Life is not always smooth sailing. It can be challenging and lead one to feel like giving up. But as a Christian, no matter how daunting the fathering task seems, you should never give up.

Stay strong and stand firm in your belief and know that our heavenly Father is always with you every step of the way.

5. Pray For Your Family

Key scripture: 1st Chronicles 29:19

Always keep your family in your prayer. Remember that prayers work miracles; they can move a mountain and change any situation in life. Prayer is also one of the key ways you can apply Christian teaching to build up and encourage your children from an early age.

When you lift your family in prayer every day, they always feel protected and cared for. They are always confident in life, knowing that their father remembers to keep them in prayer. They have no reason to be fearful for any reason.

One excellent example of a prayerful father is King David, the father of King Solomon. He prayed for his son a lot. As a Christian father, always pray for your children’s wellbeing, not just their physical health but also their spiritual and overall wellbeing.

Fathers will always have an essential role in their children’s life. It is best to keep the word of the Lord in every move you make as a father. While it may seem challenging, it is an easy job, especially if you abide by the above five biblical principles. You will have an easy time bringing up your children in the ways of the Lord.

Bio

Mo Mulla is a work-from-home dad who enjoys reading and listening to music. He loves being a dad and husband to a growing family. He loves writing about his passions and hopes to change the world, one blog post at a time! You can find his Facebook group here: www.facebook.com/ParentalQuestions