βAnd, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lordβ (Ephesians 6:4).
Since today is Fatherβs Day, we dedicate todayβs devotional to the godly (Christian) fathers.
What is a godly father? Oftentimes, fathers are either too authoritative (very strict) or too carefree (little to no concern for their children). According to the Bible (todayβs Scripture in particular), fathers must have a balance between setting boundaries and enforcing them, and refraining from being a heartless tyrant.
- On one hand, the Christian father is to βbring [his children] up in the nurture of the Lord.β βNurtureβ is simply defined as βcaring for and encouraging their growth or development.β All too often, fathers (sadly) ignore this, usually being too rough, or even, apathetic (unconcerned).
- On the other hand, the Christian father is to βbring [his children] up in the admonition of the Lord.β βAdmonitionβ is simply defined as βauthoritative counsel or warning.β He is to lovingly guide them in life, instructing them from Godβs Word rightly divided.
A father is not simply one who procreates. Godβs Word makes it very clear that they should serve a lifelong, active role in their childrenβs lives. A Christian man, especially a father, should be a godly man in beliefs as well as in deed. He needs to set an example for his children (especially his sons): it is his duty as an older Christian man to set an example for younger men.
He should be a hard worker, he should meditate on the things of God (the Bible), his speech should conform to sound Bible doctrine, he should be hospitable and caring, kind and loving, he should respect and love his wife, he should love his children, and he should be reserved and cautious in his actions.
Are you a Christian man or Christian father who desires to be the man God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest! Then, you will become the godly man described on the pages of Scripture. source