God's Fathers - Questions for FathersSample

Three Essential Responsibilities of Fathers

We will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed. He commanded our fathers to teach to their children—even children yet to be born—that they should put their confidence in God, not forgetting His works, but keeping His commandments (Psalm 78:3-7).

It is important to remember that children don't expect their fathers to be perfect.

There are a few very important things you can do that will make a huge difference in their lives.

There are three things a child needs to get from his father, and these three things make all the difference:

1. You need to make time for your child – to play, talk, listen to them and ask questions about their life. None of that can happen if you don't actively make time for them. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him (Psalm 103:13).

2. You have to respect them and help them understand how special they are. All children have special and unique characteristics. A father's responsibility is to show them that they are unique and irreplaceable. Paul writes, Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Colossians 3:21 gives another perspective on the relationship between fathers and children: Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

3. You need to teach your children so that they will know the thoughts that God has about them. They also need to know how Jesus feels about them, especially in light of the fact that He laid down his life for them.

Following these three guidelines will ensure that your children live lives filled with hope and joy.

There is a tragic story of one of the most famous preachers and writers of the twentieth century and one of the most "quoted" persons in Christian circles. There was depth in his work, and he was widely respected. His wife and seven children (all of whom were already adults by then) chose not to attend his funeral. There were no tears at his funeral. His wife said she never had a husband, and the children said they didn't have a father. He was at home most of the time but never "there."

How will your wife and children react when it is your funeral?