Daily devotion – a godly father leads in a godly manner!
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” — Deuteronomy 6:4-7
How does a man become a godly father?
There are countless books in Christian bookstores dedicated to this subject. Likewise, there are many books written on parenting, eagerly read by mothers and fathers who desire to raise their children well. While some of these resources can be helpful, we must never forget that God’s Word remains the ultimate source of wisdom on both parenting and fatherhood.
I love how the Lord addresses these important subjects so clearly and succinctly in Deuteronomy. Although there are many passages throughout Scripture that speak of family life, fatherhood, and raising children, these few verses provide a solid foundation for every man who desires to honour God in his home.
The first requirement of a godly father is his own relationship with God.
Before a man can lead his family spiritually, God must have first place in his own life. There can be no lasting foundation for marriage, parenting, or leadership unless the Lord is enthroned in the heart of the father. How many men can truly say that God is the absolute Lord of their lives? Any man who can answer “yes” is already well on the path to becoming a godly father.
Such a man seeks to obey the Lord in all things, not perfectly, but faithfully.
Secondly, a godly father takes the Word of God seriously.
The Lord instructed Israel that His commandments were to be in their hearts. God’s truth was not merely to be read occasionally or acknowledged intellectually; it was to be cherished, believed, and applied daily. If a father does not know God’s Word, love God’s Word, or live God’s Word, how can he effectively teach it to his children?
Children learn far more from what they observe than from what they are told. A father who treasures Scripture will naturally pass that treasure on to the next generation.
Thirdly, a godly father is a disciple and servant of Jesus Christ every day of the week.
His faith is not something that appears only on Sunday mornings. His walk with Christ is evident in the home, at work, in conversation, and especially in his relationship with his children. They see his example, his priorities, his speech, and his conduct.
Sadly, Australia often celebrates a version of manliness that exalts toughness, independence, and self-reliance. Yet much of this so-called macho image lacks the courage required to be the spiritual leader of a home. True biblical manhood is not found in worldly bravado but in humble submission to Christ and faithful leadership of one’s family.
Children need fathers who provide firm, strong, and gentle leadership. They need fathers who bring security, make wise decisions, establish godly priorities, and consistently point them toward Jesus Christ.
Notice the pattern God gives in our text. Teaching children about the Lord is not confined to a formal lesson once a week. It happens while sitting together at home, travelling from place to place, preparing for sleep, and beginning each new day. Every moment of family life becomes an opportunity to teach, encourage, correct, and model what it means to walk with God.
Being a godly father is a serious calling. It is one of the greatest responsibilities a man will ever receive from the Lord. May every father seek first to love God wholeheartedly, treasure His Word deeply, and faithfully lead his children to know and follow Jesus Christ.
Lord, help us as fathers to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Teach us to live Your Word before our families and to faithfully lead our children in Your ways. Give us wisdom, courage, consistency, and grace as we fulfil this high calling. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Men you must lead and your leading must fulfill God’s commandments that He gave to Abraham – that is a godly father.