This father’s day, as we close in on just over a week until our son is born, I’ve been thinking a whole lot more than I usually do about what it means to be a father. It’s a scary thought and an exciting one at the same time.
There are times that I think that I won’t be able to measure up to the huge responsibility of fatherhood, or that I won’t be as good of a father as my father was to me. But in doing some bible study over the past couple of weeks, I’ve realized that as long as I walk in integrity, and follow Christ’s example in my life, I’ll be doing well by my unborn son.
A righteous man who walks in his integrity – How blessed are his sons after him. – Proverbs 20:7
When I think back on my childhood and growing up, I have realized that one thing I always remember is my father providing an example of Godly love towards my mother, towards me and my brothers. He was (and is) a man of integrity, and now that all of us are grown, we truly are blessed. I want to do the same for my son. I want to train my child up to know Christ, and to live his own life of Godly integrity.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord – Ephesians 6:4
Having a child, loving him unconditionally and teaching him about Jesus Christ are all things that I plan on doing to continue my father’s legacy.
So this father’s day as I am about to embark on my own journey of fatherhood I only pray that I can also be a righteous man of integrity, and that I can show my wife and my son the love of Christ – living through me.
Happy Father’s Day!
Thank you for an encouraging article.
Wow. The day is closer and closer! Congratulations and good luck!
Yup, only a week from today and we’ll be embarking on the exciting journey of parenthood!
Peter,
What a nice tribute to your father. He must be very proud of the young man you have become. As a father of three daughters, it’s great to know that God continues to raise up young men who are committed to following Him and who embrace the responsibility to be the spiritual leader and gatekeeper of their families.
Just about anyone can have a child, even devil worshipers. What does religion have to do with it? Why you religious kooks bring god into everything never ceases to amaze me.
By the way, looking at history, whether you are religious or not is no predictor of whether you will be a good parent. My advice, use common sense, not religion, as your guide.
Of course everyone can have a child, but this post is about being a man of integrity, and providing a loving example to your children. I didn’t say that “only Christians can be good parents” or anything like that – even if I do believe being a person of faith makes it easier. Yes, since we are human, and are all sinners, we all make mistakes – Christians and non-Christians alike. That’s why I believe we need the forgiveness found in Jesus Christ – because none of us is any better than another – we all are sinners and fail!
I’m sorry if this post offended you, but to be honest I can’t understand why. Because really it is just about being a man of integrity, and following the common sense principles found in the bible. (Yes, I do believe the bible give us a LOT of common sense principles, the book of Proverbs is chocked full of them!).
I wish you the best – God bless!