How to be a Good Father

If there's one thing our country needs, it is good fathers.  What does it take to be a good father?  Seven things.

F -- First things first.  A good father has his priorities straight.  God, wife, children, and then everything else.  A good father doesn't allow good things to interfere with best things.  He starts his day alone with God in prayer and Bible study.  He brings his family to church every Sunday.  He teaches his kids the Bible at home.  He treats his wife like a queen, always pursuing and dating her.  He eats dinner with his family, and tucks the kids in bed at night.  A good father defines success not by what he earns, owns, or achieves, but by the quality of his relationship with God, his bride, and his children.  (Deut. 6:4-9)

A -- Affection.  A good father gives his children lots of hugs and kisses, lots of snuggles, and tells them often how much he loves them, how much they mean to him, and how proud he is of them.  He does not hide his feelings.  (Mt 19:13-15)

T -- Thriftiness.  A good father is a good provider.  He works hard to earn a good living, and he manages his money wisely.  He does not measure his self-worth by his net worth; he does not try to keep up with the neighbors.  He is not stingy or greedy, but he is careful to live within his means, and he is careful to plan for future needs and emergencies.  (Pr 21:5)

H -- Holiness.  A good father is a man of Christlike character.  He strives to be completely obedient to God in mind, body, and spirit, giving his children a good example to follow.  (1 Pt 1:15-16)

E -- Edification.  A good father is careful with his words, realizing that the tongue has the power of life and death.  He does not yell and scream at his kids.  He does not hurl insults at them.  He uses his words to instruct and encourage.  (Eph 4:29)

R -- Rod.  A good father disciplines his children.  Without losing his temper, he rebukes foolishness and uses the rod for outright rebellion and defiance.  He understands the Biblical definition of love -- doing what is best for his children, not what feels good; giving his children what they need, not what they want.  (Pr 13:24)

S -- Servant-leadership.  A good father leads like Jesus, using his position of authority not for selfish ends, but to meet the needs of his wife and children so that they can flourish spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.  He understands that leadership is not about perks and privileges, but responsibilities.  (Mt 20:25-28)