Spiritual Fatherhood

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.” (Proverbs 4:1-2).
Boys and girls have a longing to be taught by their fathers. As young boys, we treasured the times our fathers spent teaching us how to catch, shoot a basketball, throw a perfect spiral or change the oil in a car. Unfortunately, many of our fathers were incapable of teaching us spiritual truths because they had never been taught themselves. The Israelites were instructed to teach God’s truth “diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Scripture never advises fathers to let pastors or Sunday school teachers instruct their children in the ways of the Lord. Thank God for these Christian leaders, but the primary responsibility for imparting God’s Word unto children belongs to the parents-specifically the father. Special times of instruction such as family devotionals and dinner table discussions are important, but fathers should use every opportunity- from the moment he arises until the moment he lays down- to train up his child in the way he should go. Recently, the concept of “teachable moments” has been emphasized; however, quality instruction is good, but it will never surpass fathers spending large quantities of time with their children. Kids need the instruction, wisdom and counsel of their fathers. Do not deprive them of that privilege or shirk your responsibility. Lord, help us to teach our children and to be godly examples, worthy of their emulation.