Prioritize your family

As we ended previously, God can be the Father of everyone because of his infinite power and eternal existence. Yet as earthly fathers, we have a very limited amount of time and energy. This means we have to prioritize things in our lives.

First, we should provide for our family.

“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8). And just to clarify, this reprimand addresses neglect, not tough times that are outside of your control. In God’s economy, my wife and sons come before my ministry, other ambitions, or any other priority in my life.

Would your children say they are your highest life priority today?

Second, we must love our wives.

Scripture is clear: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). We must do it with an unconditional, sacrificial commitment to her. Family counselors are unanimous in their assertion that the best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. To show his love for her consistently, and to be faithful to her at all costs.

Would your children say you are giving them this gift today?

Third, we must initiate relationships with our children.

Again, the word translated as “goodness” means kindness in action. Not just kind thoughts and feelings, but acts and deeds.

My strongest memories of my father are of those times when he surprised me with kindness. Gifts I had not expected. In fact, the last time I saw him alive was when he drove across town to give me money to help buy Janet’s engagement ring. I’ll always remember his kindness, with gratitude.

For what initiative will your children remember you?

And finally, harkening back to Job’s example, we must develop consistent integrity.

My children will typically become what I am. Listen to two examples:

“[Ahaziah] He did what was evil in the sight of the Lᴏʀᴅ and walked in the way of his father” (1 Kings 22:52).

“And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lᴏʀᴅ, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the Lᴏʀᴅ, God made him prosper” (2 Chronicles 26:4–5).

So, let’s figure out where we can aim our lives at the right targets.

What should you change in your priorities today?

What would your children say about your priorities?