Scripture is filled with people from whom we can learn a great deal. When it comes to the challenging vocation of fatherhood, there are certainly a few fantastic fathers in Holy Writ that come to mind. Interestingly, no human father has been or will ever be perfect. While true perfection is beyond our reach, we certainly can labor and grow to become the fathers that our Creator expects us to be. Three fathers from God’s Word teach us three character traits necessary to raise godly children.
Firstly, Moses teaches us about resolve. Moses was commissioned to lead the children of Israel to Canaan. This task soon became next to impossible due their tenacious ways. However, even during the most difficult times, Moses kept his hand to the plow and did not quit. Raising godly children is anything but an easy task. So many forces are pushing against us. Therefore, Christian fathers must have a determined resolve to execute their God-given duties in a manner that God would approve, the world notwithstanding! Daddies, do you have the resolve to stand against the filth of Hollywood? How about the clothing of Vogue? Do you have the resolve to stand against the political correctness of women’s liberation? Fathers, we must determine before we are ever faced with these that we are going to be God’s men, today, tomorrow and forever!
Secondly, David teaches us about repentance. David was a man of many great spiritual traits. When we speak of David, we often speak of his involvement with Bathsheba and all the sins linked to that incident. However, while doing so, we often forget the great penitent heart that David had. When the prophet pointed out David’s sin, immediately, “…David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD…” (2 Samuel 12:13a). It takes a real man to admit his sin. David never blamed or shifted responsibility to another (Psalm 32; 51). Fathers are not perfect, and as such we will sin and make mistakes. How we handle those sins will determine our eternity.
Thirdly, Joseph teaches us about righteousness. Our Lord’s “earthly” father is a great example of what it means to be righteous. From the very fact alone the God Almighty chose Joseph the carpenter to be such an intimate part of our Lord’s life points to Joseph’s character. He went to great pains in his attempt to protect Mary from utter humiliation (Matthew 1:19). Consequently, the Bible speaks of him as being a “just” (KJV) or “righteous” man (NASB). Daddies, if God was to write down your character traits, would righteous be one He would use?
Interestingly, each of the above fathers were far from perfect. They each had flaws and faults, but still as we consider their example today, their weaknesses pale in comparison to their strengths. Fathers, God does not expect perfection from any of us, but what He does demand is faithfulness. Rise up oh men of God and labor to become the fathers God expects you to be!
