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Ephesians 6:1-4; [Proverbs 22:6]; Proverbs 22:1; 17:1; 15:16; Psalm 4:8; 51:1-12; Psalm 32:1-11

The people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, money, or awards. They are the ones who care and who have taught us by word and example. There are nearly eight million fatherless homes in the United States today. Almost one-half of the children born in the 1990’s were born with either one or no parents. There is a great need for godly fathering.

God gives us instruction regarding godly fathers and father-figures. Ephesians 6:1-4 speaks of the commandment and promise of honoring one’s father and mother. We have the authority of God’s Word to teach people how to raise families, whether we are single or married with a family. Truth is truth.

The first thing we must teach our children is that there is one God, Who is totally worthy of all our hearts, dedication and commitment. We also teach them to love our neighbors as ourselves. In our society, discipline and training are sadly lacking. Proverbs 22:6 says we are to "train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This does not guarantee that child will not go astray, but they will have the "road map" to get them back to where they should be.

We teach our children the importance of Christian virtues:

Godliness – the promise of life now and to come.
Reverence for God – the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Respect for God’s Word
The importance of prayer
The value of love and forgiveness

At some point, children become able to deal with concepts and utilize abstract thinking. As the child makes this transition and can identify truths and values, we must teach them to trust and rely upon their heavenly Father. They will thus learn as they grow older that God is always there. Another impotant way for a father to communicate love is by touch.

One of the greatest things we can teach our young people is about reputation. Proverbs says a "good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." We can teach them to be content, trusting God in every situation. We can also teach them about the value of honesty and the integrity involved in keeping their word. We teach them to have respect for authority and the importance of good stewardship. We should instill a sense of belonging and permanence in the family. We can also instill a sense of self-worth, the value of individuality. Certainly, they should be taught the value of selflessness and service. As the heads of their families, fathers have a great responsibility to please their wives.

There is a spark of greatness in every person which should be fanned with encouragement. A father should never administer reproof without instruction. One area of instruction that has been greatly overlooked is the value of humility, mourning and meekness. Pride will keep us from approaching God to get the forgiveness we need and to restore the joy of fellowship with Him. To be humble and confess one’s sin before God is not a belittling thing, but is a sign of spiritual maturity. The result is the joy of reconciliation for trusting God. Because God is good, tender and merciful, when we come to Him with humble hearts, He will forgive and cleanse us.


#TOM 06/02 Confessions Of A Godly Father -- June 16, 2002 ©2002 / Steven A. Michels 52:53 minutes
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"Godly Father"- Rev. Steven A. Michels Ephesians 6:1-4; [Proverbs 22:6]; Proverbs 22:1; 17:1; 15:16; Psalm 4:8; 51:1-12; Psalm 32:1-11 The people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, money, or awards. They are the ones who care and who have taught us by word and example. There are nearly eight million fatherless homes in the United States today. Almost one-half of the children born in the 1990’s were born with either one or no parents. There is a great need for godly fathering. God gives us instruction regarding godly fathers and father-figures. Ephesians 6:1-4 speaks of the commandment and promise of honoring one’s father and mother. We have the authority of God’s Word to teach people how to raise families, whether we are single or married with a family. Truth is truth. The first thing we must teach our children is that there is one God, Who is totally worthy of all our hearts, dedication and commitment. We also teach them to love our neighbors as ourselves. In our society, discipline and training are sadly lacking. Proverbs 22:6 says we are to "train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This does not guarantee that child will not go astray, but they will have the "road map" to get them back to where they should be. We teach our children the importance of Christian virtues: Godliness – the promise of life now and to come. Reverence for God – the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Respect for God’s Word The importance of prayer The value of love and forgiveness At some point, children become able to deal with concepts and utilize abstract thinking. As the child makes this transition and can identify truths and values, we must teach them to trust and rely upon their heavenly Father. They will thus learn as they grow older that God is always there. Another impotant way for a father to communicate love is by touch. One of the greatest things we can teach our young people is about reputation. Proverbs says a "good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." We can teach them to be content, trusting God in every situation. We can also teach them about the value of honesty and the integrity involved in keeping their word. We teach them to have respect for authority and the importance of good stewardship. We should instill a sense of belonging and permanence in the family. We can also instill a sense of self-worth, the value of individuality. Certainly, they should be taught the value of selflessness and service. As the heads of their families, fathers have a great responsibility to please their wives. There is a spark of greatness in every person which should be fanned with encouragement. A father should never administer reproof without instruction. One area of instruction that has been greatly overlooked is the value of humility, mourning and meekness. Pride will keep us from approaching God to get the forgiveness we need and to restore the joy of fellowship with Him. To be humble and confess one’s sin before God is not a belittling thing, but is a sign of spiritual maturity. The result is the joy of reconciliation for trusting God. Because God is good, tender and merciful, when we come to Him with humble hearts, He will forgive and cleanse us.