Want to be a better dad? Do THIS…

What’s the biblical foundation for a Christian household?

The third chapter of Colossians contains some pointed direction for Christian families: “Wives, submit to your husbands … Husbands, love your wives … Children, obey your parents.” We’d encourage you to read and meditate on that entire chapter and see how God might be speaking to you.

Asian-dad-kissing-infant-girlOf course, here at NCF we often talk about Colossians 3:21: “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” We share ways for fathers to avoid embittering their children. That includes positive strategies such as listening, respecting privacy, loving their mother, and tucking in. And we track fathering habits to avoid, including losing your cool, yelling at referees, and breaking promises.

But there’s one more strategy right there in Colossians 3 that we must not overlook.
Backing up just a few verses in that chapter, here’s what Paul wrote in verse 16: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Is it going too far to connect that thought to the other statements about how to behave as a husband, a wife, a child, and a father? We don’t think so. This concept actually sets up the foundation for how to establish an authentic Christian household. Dad, if we want to do better at being the loving, consistent, encouraging fathers we are called to be, the critical first step is to get in the Word and let it dwell richly in us.

Reading God’s Word is the primary way we can discern his will for our lives—and for our fathering. Don’t you think that’s important enough to devote your time and energy toward learning, studying, and even memorizing the Scriptures?

We hear from dads facing a variety of challenges, and we try to provide them with insights and practical ideas. But looking at this passage from Colossians, maybe there’s one answer that faithful fathers need to try first and keep doing over and over. That’s right—get in the Word. Let it be a lamp for your feet and a light on your path (Psalm 119:105).

So any time you ask yourself, How am I doing as a father? the next question should be, How’s my daily quiet time going? We’ve seen over and over how those two thoughts are surely connected.

Want to be a better dad? Get in the Word.

 
It's Great Being a Dad bookThis is adapted from a chapter in the book, It’s Great Being a Dad by Jay Payleitner, Brock Griffin and Carey Casey. 

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