10 Timeless Lessons on Fatherhood: Insights from My Dad

10 Timeless Lessons on Fatherhood from my Dad

As a child, I looked up to my dad as a role model and a hero. He was a great pastor, but more importantly, he was an authentic Christian who lived out his faith every day. Watching him raise our family taught me many valuable lessons on fatherhood that have stayed with me to this day. Here are ten of the most unforgettable lessons I learned from my dad:

1. Always Make Time

Even though my dad was a busy pastor, he always made time for me. He never let his work or other obligations get in the way of spending quality time with his family. Whenever he felt like he hadn't spent enough time with me, he would take me out of school for the day and we would go on an adventure together. His example taught me the importance of prioritizing family time and making sure that my children know how much they mean to me.

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of making time for our families. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, we are commanded to love God with all our hearts and to impress his commandments on our children, talking about them "when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." In other words, we need to be intentional about spending time with our children and teaching them about God's ways.

2. Show Unconditional Love

My dad showed me unconditional love, no matter what. He never withheld his love or approval based on my performance or behavior. His love was consistent and unwavering, even when I made mistakes or disappointed him. His example taught me the power of unconditional love and how it can transform our relationships with our children.

The Bible also teaches us about God's unconditional love for us. In Romans 8:38-39, Paul writes, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." As fathers, we are called to reflect God's love to our children, showing them that our love for them is not based on their behavior, but on our deep and abiding affection for them as our children.

3. Lead With Humility

My dad was a great leader, but he led with humility. He never acted like he had all the answers or that he was better than anyone else. He was quick to admit his mistakes and ask for forgiveness when he was wrong. His example taught me that true leadership is not about being in charge, but about serving others with humility.

In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." As fathers, we need to lead our families with humility, putting their needs and interests above our own and serving them with love and grace.

4. Be Consistent with Discipline

My dad was consistent with discipline. He never let me get away with disobedience or disrespect, but he was always fair and consistent in his approach. He never punished me out of anger or frustration, but always took the time to explain why my behavior was wrong and what I needed to do to make things right. His example taught me the importance of consistency in discipline and how it can help our children learn and grow.

The Bible also teaches us about the importance of discipline in our lives. In Proverbs 3:11-12, we are told, "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." As fathers, we need to discipline our children with love and grace, helping them to learn from their mistakes and guiding them towards the right path.

5. Be Present in the Moment

My dad was always present in the moment. When he was with me, he gave me his full attention and focused on our time together. He never let his mind wander or allowed distractions to get in the way of our time together. His example taught me the importance of being present in the moment and cherishing the time we have with our children.

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we are told that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens. As fathers, we need to be intentional about making the most of the time we have with our children, being fully present and engaged in their lives.

6. Speak Words of Affirmation

My dad spoke words of affirmation to me. He never hesitated to tell me how proud he was of me or how much he loved me. His words of encouragement and affirmation gave me the confidence I needed to succeed in life. His example taught me the power of our words and how they can shape our children's self-esteem and sense of worth.

The Bible also teaches us about the power of our words. In Proverbs 18:21, we are told that "the tongue has the power of life and death." As fathers, we need to use our words to build up our children, speaking life and encouragement to them and helping them to reach their full potential.

7. Model Integrity

My dad modeled integrity in everything he did. He never compromised his values or his faith, even when it was difficult or unpopular. His example taught me the importance of living a life of integrity and being true to our convictions, even when it is hard.

In Psalm 15, David asks, "Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?" He goes on to list the qualities of a person who is worthy of living in God's presence, including integrity, honesty, and righteousness. As fathers, we need to model these qualities for our children, showing them what it means to live a life of character and faithfulness.

8. Be Willing to Sacrifice

My dad was willing to sacrifice for his family. He never put his own needs or desires above those of his family. He was always willing to give up his time, his money, and his resources to help us in any way he could. His example taught me the importance of sacrificial love and how it can transform our relationships with our children.

The Bible also teaches us about sacrificial love. In John 15:13, Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." As fathers, we need to be willing to sacrifice for our children, giving up our own desires and needs for their sake, just as Jesus gave up his life for us.

9. Be Patient and Kind

My dad was patient and kind with me. He never lost his temper or got angry with me, even when I pushed his buttons. He was always gentle and loving, even in the midst of my misbehavior. His example taught me the importance of patience and kindness in our relationships with our children.

The Bible also teaches us about patience and kindness. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul writes, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." As fathers, we need to love our children with the same kind of patient, kind, and selfless love that God has shown to us.

10. Point to Christ

Most importantly, my dad pointed me to Christ. He never let me forget that my ultimate purpose in life was to know God and to live for him. He taught me the Bible, prayed with me, and modeled a life of faith and devotion to God. His example taught me the importance of pointing our children to Christ and helping them to develop a personal relationship with him.

The Bible reminds us that our ultimate purpose in life is to know God and to make him known. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." As fathers, we need to help our children develop a deep and personal relationship with God, pointing them to Christ as the source of their hope, joy, and purpose in life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my dad was an incredible role model and hero to me. His example taught me many timeless lessons on fatherhood that have stayed with me to this day. By making time for our children, showing unconditional love, leading with humility, being consistent with discipline, being present in the moment, speaking words of affirmation, modeling integrity, being willing to sacrifice, being patient and kind, and pointing to Christ, we can become the kind of fathers that God has called us to be. May we all strive to live out these principles in our own lives and in our relationships with our children.