Father’s Day is a time to honor our dads, as well as I believe, the men who have been father figures to us. This is especially true for those whose biological father was never around, or lost in a tragedy.
Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
As many of you know, I lost my dad last September, so this will be my first Father’s Day without him. But for me, Father’s Day is not just about my dad. Being a dad myself, it reminds me to think about the man I want to be for my own children, grandchildren (hopefully someday), and wife. So men, as we celebrate Father’s Day this month, I would like to share the traits of a Godly man and father that I aspire to live by, hoping they will inspire you as well. Warning! These traits are totally counter-cultural to the society in which we live!
- Reject passivity
- Provide for the needs of my family
- Defend good and fight against evil
- Serve others over myself
- Seek and love God and His word, the truth, and wisdom
- Always think of the future outcome
- Step out in faith to make a difference in the world
- Run from simply existing and mediocrity
- Create something for the benefit of others
- Stay forever faithful and loyal to my wife, family, and friends
- Be known as a giver, not a taker
- Try to be humble, patient, gentle and kind in all I do
- Apologize when I’m wrong and admit my mistakes
- Forgive others who have wronged me
- Mentor and teach the following generations what it takes to be a Godly father, husband, leader, and man of faith and character
For those of you who have had dads or grandpas with these traits and characteristics, you are truly blessed. For those men who haven’t, may this Father’s Day be the one that motivates you to start being the father, grandfather, and husband that God has called all of us to be.
Robert Lewis, the founder of Men’s Fraternity, gives this working definition of a man which I love so much I have memorized: “A real man rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and expects God’s greater reward.”