6 Biblical Traits Of A Godly DadSample

Day 7 The godly dad understands biblical mission.

Two things you should know about my dad. First, he always wakes up at 5AM. Second, he doesn't drink coffee. Let's focus on #1, because not drinking coffee makes him weird and unrelatable. From my earliest memories, he has a spot in the house where he sits every morning with his Bible for unhurried quiet time. My dad has learned through experience that God speaks when you exhibit a discipline of listening. My dad knows about living on mission.

What’s the point of your life? Your purpose? I have eight ideas when it comes to finding God's will for your life. 

1. Through His Word

Here's my audacious claim. You CAN know God and His will. But there's the caveat, God does NOT speak anything contrary to His Word. Knowing God and His will for your life go hand in hand with knowing His Word. God's Word brings numbers 2-8 into subjection.

2. Through prayer

James 1:5 says, "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him." Prayer is vital. Pray as Scripture tells you. 

3. Through wise counsel

Wisdom is found in seeking wise counsel. Proverbs 12:15, "A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise." Seek out the counsel of wise friends, family and mentors. To be clear, seeking wise counsel is not the same as getting with your guy friends who agree with you and complaining.

4. Through understanding your gifts

Careful, I'm NOT talking about the term we float around called "finding yourself". There is not some romantic trip to Paris where you "find yourself" between the ages of 20 and 20. Nope. God speaks through the trees in the Appalachian Mountains—specifically in Tennessee—all godly people know this.

5. Through considering all the options 

Over the years, I've found what Rick Warren says helpful. Warren has a formula in The Purpose Driven Life: 

1. Worship >  What is the CENTER of your life?
2. Discipleship > What will be the CHARACTER of your life?
3. Service > What will be the CONTRIBUTION of your life? Knowing your SHAPE (spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences) what's your best role in serving the church? Is there a specific group you are shaped to serve?
4. Mission > What will be the COMMUNICATION of your life? Write your personal mission statement and include your commitment to share your story authentically with others.
5. Fellowship > What will be the COMMUNITY of your life? How will you demonstrate your commitment to other believers & your connection to the church. Where will you practice church? 

6. Through His peace

God will give you a sense of peace when you’re on the right road. There's comfort that comes—when you're doing what you should be doing—especially when it's difficult. Even when you don't have clarity about the next step, I'm reminded of what Henry Blackaby says in Experiencing God. What was the last thing God told you that you haven't done? Do that. Essentially, do the thing you know to do that's right—right now. Baby steps. But baby steps are all about number 7. 

7. Through action

Baseball great Yogi Berra once said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it!” Some people get stuck when they face a big decision. Don’t be passive. The godly dad does not live in fear—but by faith. Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself." Don't mistake inaction for holiness. In my life, I've often found comfort is often the antithesis of God's will. 

8. Through trust and sticktoittiveness

Once you’ve done the previous seven things, trust God and the decision you’ve made. With most people, life happens to them. God wants us as godly dads to throw our lives into something that makes a difference in the world around us. I can tell you, if you're reading this as a husband and father, God is calling you to intentionally disciple your family. 

I've rarely noticed God speak with an audible voice. Call me crazy. Instead, God puts us in a particular time and place and wants us to serve Him where we are. Even if it means waking up at 5AM every morning like my dad. Over time, you'll notice God's still, small voice. Especially if you're sipping coffee.