Being a godly dad is risky. There are so many challenges that face dads. That said, do you really know what it takes to be a godly dad? And, how are you doing in this effort?
There are seven behaviors that all godly fathers have in common. It’s time we know what it takes and know where we are when it comes to being a godly dad.
The challenge of being a godly dad.
We’re focused on helping dads become disciple-makers. Fathers are crucial. We are in a battle for our families. Everything from drug abuse, to school dropout rates, to children abandoning their faith—worsens as fathers abandon their posts.
Studies show at least 1 in 3 children are growing up in a home today with no father around. Ironically, 84 percent of teens have a smartphone. We often put it this way:
It’s more likely for a kid to have a cell phone than a dad in the home.
As fathers go, so goes our culture. Over our years of writing and connecting with dads, we’ve been asking about your biggest challenges for a long time. We’ve had over 2,000 dads answer the question, “What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing as a dad right now?”
Your answers to that question became this post and infographic called the ten (10) great fatherhood challenges we must face. In our writing blog posts, speaking at conferences, sharing Bible study resources, creating digital courses, and hosting retreats and events, we’ve learned a few things. We’ve learned what areas you’re struggling in, what makes a godly dad, and where you can go for help.
The 7 behaviors of a godly dad.
The solution to the problem is how you handle these seven behaviors. We call them the seven (7) behaviors. There are seven behaviors that all godly fathers have in common. These are actions we take over and over in an attempt to gain proficiency and confidence.
Behavior 1: Trust God.
Knowing how to be a dad means trusting God. If you’re headed down the path of being a godly dad, you won’t get too far without something guiding your direction. You’re gonna need a True North.
What are you trusting in? Is it God? How do you know? Does your compass point true north? You might be a brand new believer or maybe you’re a veteran who routinely ventures into unknown territory. Trusting God is the first tool you need in your pack. Without a fixed navigational point, how can we get where we’re going?
Behavior 2: Know Scripture.
A godly dad knows Scripture. As church-goin’ dads, we know that Bible knowledge is a vital tool. But, you and I need a command of God’s word so we can shine the light of God’s truth into the lives of our families.
Does the Bible intimidate you, or are you able to apply God’s Word quickly and fittingly to everyday situations? You need to know how much you point your family to the Bible so you can gain confidence in this area.
Behavior 3: Pray fervently.
The godly dad prays fervently. I’m convinced that if you trust God and know His Word, praying fervently becomes a byproduct of getting those first two tools in your pack.
Are you the dad who prays over dinner? Or, are you the dad who has an ongoing conversation with God? Our prayer lives can guide or hinder our fathering. The more you trust God and the more you know His Word, the more you realize you need Him.
Behavior 4: Build relationships.
The godly dad builds relationships. Friendships aren’t just for women. When it comes to building strong relationships, most men aren’t hamstrung by their biology. We’re oppressed by our own pride.
Do you have true friendships? Maybe you’re the dad who has to be forced to hang out with friends. Perhaps you could be the guy who seeks out other men for mentoring. It’s vital you know where your relationships are so you’re not going it alone.
Behavior 5: Serve others.
Knowing how to be a dad means serving others. This serving tool should be firmly placed in the godly dad’s pack. Are you the dad who’ll jump in and help if asked? Awesome.
But, what about proactively seeking out ways you can serve? Where are you on the “serving others” spectrum? Yes, there’s a spectrum. Know where you are and how you can go from selfish to selfless.
Behavior 6: Steward resources.
The godly dad stewards resources well. He understands that every single thing in his life is—guess what—not his! He is simply a manager of God’s resources.
Are you a giver or a taker when it comes to time and money? Whether you’re the guy who gives your money and time freely or not, find out where you are and where you should try to head off to next.
Behavior 7: Make disciples.
The godly dad makes disciples. Just mentioning the word “discipleship” leaves many dads confused. But, discipleship doesn’t have to be some crazy mystery. It starts with a simple question: who are you discipling right now?
Do you notice the folks who are struggling? Maybe you’re the guy who is “sending” other dads off to help more guys like the ones you just helped. Sweet! No matter where you are right now, you should know where are, where you should be, and how to get to the next level.
Like this post and want to write for Manhood Journey? Email me for more details.
