This blog series examines what Scripture tells us about godly character—and shares encouragement for Christian fathers today. While the encouragement found in these blog posts is aimed specifically at fathers, there are applicable truths for all Christians.
This blog post is the third in a four-part series. You can read the first and second here.
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect”
(1 Timothy 3:1-4).
Dear Christian father, God calls you to be . . . respectable. Hospitable. Able to Teach.
How does being those things benefit your children spiritually? Let’s take a look:
Be respectable.
In the Fourth Commandment, God calls children to honor their father and mother, as those who show God’s love to them. Honor and respect are tightly interwoven. God also instructs fathers not to exasperate their children. In other words, don’t make it difficult for your children to respect you!
When you are being respectable—behaving toward others (including your children) in a God-pleasing way and conducting yourself accordingly—this is for your benefit . . . and your children’s! You’re doing what you can to help them show love for God and you by keeping the Fourth Commandment.
Be hospitable.
No, you don’t need to open your house to total strangers or host parties 24/7.
That being said, remember that you are a Christian role model for your children. How you interact with other people—however brief an interaction that might be—shapes how your children interact with other people as well. When you show concern for the spiritual welfare of others, you have opportunities to remind your children of the love Jesus has for them and all people.
Be able to teach.
At first glance, this quality seems exclusive to overseers: the spiritual leaders of God’s church.
But you, dear Christian father, are the spiritual leader of your family. You know the joy that is yours in Christ Jesus. As a Christian, in whom the Holy Spirit has made his dwelling, you are able to share that message, that joy, with your family!
What does that look like? Maybe it’s . . .
- Reading family devotions together at the breakfast or supper table
- Going through Luther’s catechism with your kids or helping with their memory work
- Singing songs of praise from the hymnal
- Asking your kids what they learned in Sunday school or what they liked about the service
Whatever it may be, whatever works best for your family, you get to show your children the joy that is in your heart because of Jesus and what he has done for you and your family.
Show your children the joy that is theirs too!
Dear Christian father, perhaps you haven’t always behaved respectably. Maybe your words and actions toward others have been less than gracious and hospitable. Perhaps you’ve let teaching opportunities pass by altogether.
Own up to those mistakes—to God and your family. Ask for forgiveness, look to Jesus for assurance that your sins have been paid for, and strive to live each day anew. Be who God made you in Jesus!
If you’re looking to get into the habit of doing devotions more regularly with your family, check out 5-Minute Bible Studies: For Families or At Home With the Psalms: 100 Family Devotions.
Alex Brown is the marketing and content copywriter at Northwestern Publishing House. He has his Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in God’s creation.