Carolyn Tomlin
As a small child, my father and I often walked to the country store down the road, for an ice cream treat after supper. Just spending time with my father was so special. He held my hand and we talked about my day’s activities. It was perfect, except for our neighbor’s big black dogs that always came out and barked and sometimes nipped my heels. I would become tense when we had to pass that house.
To protect me from any traffic, my father walked next to the cars passing by. But once we reached the barking dogs, he switched hands with me and he walked between me and the dogs. Nothing was said. Yet, he realized my fear and protected me. No longer was I afraid, for I knew my father would always protect me. I trusted him to stand between me and danger.
Through the love of my earthly father, I learned about compassion, faith, wisdom, protection, and love of my heavenly Father. Proverbs 22:6 offers godly advice for today’s fathers. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Our heavenly Father shows his children these same qualities—love, protection, faith, compassion and so much more.
The church has many opportunities to encourage Christian fathers. Unfortunately, some fathers today did not grow up in the church or have parents who provided a Christian home. Children learn best by actions practiced…instead of words spoken. Boys and girls watch and observe how we treat others; the language we use; how we support our church ministries, and how we serve others instead of waiting to be served.
Bible examples of faithful fathers
The Bible is the best guide for teaching men to be fathers. These are powerful lessons for fathers of today. Some things never change and the fathers of the Bible faced the same problems fathers face today. By reading the scriptures, we have an image of good fathers who lead by example, demonstrated love, wisdom, and compassion to their children. And the Bible shows us some of the fathers who made mistakes and how it affected their families.
Look at some of the fathers mentioned in the Bible.
Example of Godly Fathers from the Bible
- In studying His word, we learn that the most important father is God the Father and a role model for all dads. He shows love, kindness, patience, wisdom, and protectiveness over his children. Not only does he demonstrate forgiveness, but understanding. He answers prayers and offers advice so that the husbands and fathers can be the men God intended.
- Adam was the first man and had no role model except God. Adam showed his weakness and disobeyed God’s plan. Adam had to bear the burden of his sons—and Cain murdering his other son, Abel. We can learn about the consequences of sin and how important it is to follow God. We learn about taking responsibility for our families and trusting our Savior.
- Despite the wickedness that surrounded the earth, Noah depended on God. He wasn’t a perfect man; yet, he was humble and protective of his family. Noah was given a huge task of saving the animals from the flood. He obeyed God. Being obedient should continue throughout life.
- Abraham was given much responsibility—he would be the father of an entire nation. The Bible shows us the faith of Abraham when God tested his faith to sacrifice his beloved son, Issac. Although he made mistakes when he relied on himself instead of trusting God. Isn’t this a common weakness of all people? However, God will rescue and support us when we pray and ask for forgiveness.
- Issac had to follow in the footsteps of his father, Abraham. This was a big challenge for Issac. He could have held a grudge against his father for offering him as a sacrifice. Yet, he was obedient to his father and to God. His example of trusting God make Issac one of the favored fathers in the Bible.
- With the support of his mother, Rebekah, Jacob stole Esau, his twin brother’s, Jacob was the father of 12 sons that founded the 12 tribes of Israel. But Jacob created jealously among his family because he favored his son, Joseph. We may fret over God’s will for our lives, but God is a forgiving God and he works with our errors and bad choices.
- Moses was the father figure to the entire Hebrew people as they escaped slavery in Egypt. Moses showed his strength through love and discipline in their 40-year journey to the Promised Land. This seemed like an overwhelming task, but God will not give you a task without being with you. His two sons were Gershom and Eliezer.
- David was a special favorite of God. He trusted God when he faced the giant Goliath and was escaping King Saul. David’s sin was great. Yet, he repented and sought forgiveness. David was the father of Solomon, one of Israel’s greatest kings.
- Joseph, was chosen to be the earthly father of Jesus. Can you imagine the responsibility to educate and be an example to the boy Jesus? Being a carpenter, he taught the boy Jesus this trade. His quiet strength and righteous spirit created a loving home for Jesus to grow up in. Joseph was a man of integrity.
Churches have many opportunities to support and guide Christian fathers. The Bible provides many examples of what God, our heavenly Father expects of earthly fathers. God is our protector and provider. He is our source of wisdom, strength, and hope. God is love and he wants fathers to be a Christian role model for their children and families. B&R – Carolyn Tomlin, Jackson, TN writes for the Christian market and teaches the Jackson Christian Writers Fellowship.
