Fatherhood on earth comes from the fatherhood of God. From the very beginning, He was the perfect Father and created fatherhood on earth as an introduction to who He is. As a father, you are called to by godly.

You are not called to be passive—simply sitting on the sidelines. No, you are called to more. The dad who raises godly children will serve as a coach to his kids with clear direction, leading them with love, and winning their hearts. Let’s look at the seven biblical traits it takes to raise godly children.

7 Biblical Traits for Raising Godly Children

 

 

Biblical Trait #1 Provider

“So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” —Jesus (Matt. 6:31-33)

A father should view himself as a provider of not just physical things for his family but be the spiritual leader for his children.

Dad, are you helping provide the physical needs, the spiritual truth, and the emotional nourishment that your child needs? As dads, we should remember what I call the 3 A’s. Our children need attention, affirmation, and affection.

Read the full post about Biblical Trait #1: Provider

 

 

Biblical Trait #2 Protector

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, “Follow me,” and he got up and followed him. While he was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came to eat with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Now when he heard this, he said, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.” —Matthew 9:9-13

As a father, you are to be a strong protector of your family. We see families falling apart when fathers don’t step in and protect their wives, their children, and their families.

Read the full post about Biblical Trait 2: Protector

 

 

Biblical Trait #3 Leader

“Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” —Matthew 6:9-13

The father is given the leadership role of the home. God put you in the driver’s seat. God says, if a man does not know how to manage and lead his own home, he’s not ready to lead the church. The strong leader is engaged. He doesn’t fall asleep at the wheel, then expect his family to end up at the right destination—safely and on time.

Read the full post about Biblical Trait 3: Leader

 

 

Biblical Trait #4 Teacher

“Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” —Ephesians 6:4

A father should be a truthful teacher to his children. When there’s something you want them to learn, you must take responsibility for teaching it to them. God calls you to be a loving teacher. As a dad, you are called to step up and lead by your example.

Read the full post about Biblical Trait 4: Teacher

 

 

Biblical Trait #5 Helper

But You Yourself have seen trouble and grief, observing it in order to take the matter into Your hands. The helpless entrusts himself to You; You are a helper of the fatherless. —Psalm 10:14

As a dad, you should be a willing helper to your children. You should look for ways to serve your kids, get your hands dirty, and help them to meet their practical day-to-day needs. You are not called to be passive—simply sitting on the sidelines. No, you are called to more. You are called to step up and help.

Read the full post about Biblical Trait 5: Helper

 

 

Biblical Trait #6 Encourager

“And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” —Matthew 3:17

A strong father should be a hopeful encourager. He should cheer his kids on toward success, walking them through the hard times, and giving them hope for the future.

Read the full post about Biblical Trait 6: Encourager

 

 

Biblical Trait #7 Friend

“I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father” —Jesus (John 15:15)

As your kids get older, you will find yourself shifting to the role of a friend. The goal is to take on the role of being a compassionate friend to your kids. Seek to be the guide they need, when they need it. The dad who raises godly children will ultimately be a friend to his kids.

Read the full post about Biblical Trait 7: Friend

 

Find the previous post from the series:
7 Biblical Traits for Raising Godly Children

This is the eighth part of an eight-part series. We believe fatherhood on earth comes from the Fatherhood of God. From the very beginning, He—as the perfect Father—created fatherhood on earth as an introduction to who He is. This series was created from a talk given at the 2022 Fatherhood CoMission Summit. May God bless your fatherhood.