"A Good Father"

  "For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet unborn, that they may arise and them them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments."  (Psa. 78:5-7)

  Parenting is difficult. The role of teaching falls squarely on the shoulders of the father! From the days of Israel to our time, the Lord expects the teaching of the children to come from the father. That doesn't mean the mother has no responsibility. The mother plays a big role but the lead and direction is set by the father. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring  them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."  (Eph. 6:4)

  How does one know they are a good father? Most of the time father's  are working before the children are awake and arrive home after the children finish their day at school. This presents a problem as many father's forget about...FATHERING! Too many father's emotionally disconnect from their children because of work or schedules and never re-connect. The children are left on their own many times and the mother has had to deal with a landslide of issues dealing with them. Thank the Lord for godly mothers!! A good father will be connected even while away working by making certain the things needed for the day are met. A good father is connected to the mother and working with that makes sure their children are trained and taught to put their confidence in God and keep His word!

  A good father makes tough decisions that affect the home with spiritual impact. That means a good father understands his model before the eyes of his children. Children have a very unique set of "antennas" that not only hear and see but replay the behavior they see in their father and mother. Father's make a decision to be godly before the eyes of their children and directs the home into spiritual alignment.

  A good father keeps the hearts of his children encouraged toward the Lord and His word. "Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart." (Col. 3:21) Father's are to be well-balanced in dealing with their children. Not overly critical or harsh but putting the right amount of discipline while teaching a life of contentment and happiness. Walking with the Lord brings great contentment in the heart and a father should know this. That means a good father is there for his children no matter what.

  A good father sees his heavenly Father as the source of his confidence and holding faithfully to His word. We know our faults but it's not the faults that take center stage. It's the progress toward the image of Jesus that matters. When you fail, humility is there. When you succeed, humility is seen. When you struggle, humility drives you to the source of help and strength. Yes, a good father makes godly decisions pointing the home to THE FATHER from whom all praise and honor are due. A good father effects not only his children but the generations to come to "put their confidence in God" and "keep His commandments."