Pastor Robert Miller
  
      As I reflect over my life and its peculiarities, I have come to regret that I never had a father to influence my life.  His absence created some issues for me as I attempted to be a husband and a father in my own family.  I really missed my father’s presence but I did not realize that fact until I came to know my heavenly Father.  My heavenly Father’s presence filled a void that I did not realize I had.  His presence has made me a better companion for my wife and a more compassionate father for my children.  His continued presence changes my outlook on life and provides me with a great foundation for security.  Because He loves me, I know that I can win in the arena of life.  

     Likewise, natural fathers can have the same effect upon our lives.  I am not suggesting that our natural fathers can take the place of our heavenly Father. I am saying that godly fathers contribute the essentials for meaningful relationships that will benefit his family and equip them for victorious living.  A father’s role is so important to his family’s future. When a vital relationship with the Lord is factored into the equation, a father can literally shape the future of his family and provide the ingredients that are the basis for success.  The Bible gives us timeless principles that describe the characteristics of a godly father.  I would like to outline just a few in the hopes that at Montgomery Faith Fellowship we will rise to the challenge of godly fathering.

     The first characteristic of a godly father is that he establishes a vital relationship with the Lord.  In other words, he demonstrates his spirituality to his family. He initiates participation in spiritual activities such as family prayer or devotions.  He sees to it that his family goes to church and that they display a reverential respect for the Lord.  A godly father would demonstrate his love for the Lord through service.  His spiritual life reflects the importance of his relationship to the Lord and sets into motion the priorities that govern his family. This takes commitment on the part of the father, but that is exactly what our heavenly Father demonstrates to us:  His commitment that is motivated by His love for us. 

     The second characteristic of a godly father is that he teaches his children to respond to God in their lives.  A father will teach and train his children by his words and his example.  The model he provides will become the basis for his children’s own behavior. How his children respond to God will reflect how they were trained.  Eli, the priest, was charged with failing to restrain his own children and to train them properly. 1 Samuel 3:13 says, “For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.”  God actually said Eli honored his sons more than God.  (1 Samuel 2)  Eli’s failure to teach and train his sons allowed an opportunity for destruction to come into his family.  By contrast, God praised Abraham for commanding his children well so that God could bring to them His promises.  Gen 18:19 says, “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."   Did you perceive the tremendous effect of a father’s instruction upon the ability of his children to receive God’s blessings?  A godly father will teach his children how to respond to God in their lives.

     The third characteristic of a godly father is that he demonstrates a stable character.  As a father walks with the Lord, his character will reflect the Lord and fruit will grow that is experienced by those in his family. 1 Peter 3:7-9 tells us, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” Living these principles in life bring blessing, answered prayer and stability.  A godly father implements behavior patterns that demonstrate stability.  He is consistent, regular and predictable.  He has worked to overcome mood swings.  He keeps his word and his promises.  He is present in the family and keeps a regular daily schedule.  He heeds the warning of scripture and doesn’t provoke his children, and he brings them up in the nuture and admonition of the Lord.  (Eph. 6:4)

     These are just a few of the characteristics of a godly father.  I believe that you can readily see how fathers can affect their families for good or for evil.   Fathers, the future is literally in your hands.  I believe God is calling us to rise to the challenge of our identity in Jesus.  For those who do not have fathers present in the home, take heart for what my Heavenly Father did for me He will do for you.  He will step in and reveal Himself to you.  This is not His first choice but it is one that works.  He will be a Father to you and to all who call upon Him.  God bless.