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Fatherly Principles
By Office | June 3, 2009
During the month of June we celebrate Father’s Day. One of the questions I asked myself when I was a new father was how was I going to have maximum impact on my son as he was growing up. I wanted to be a good father and mentor in the same way that I had a good father and good mentors in my life. How would I do that? Over time three principles emerged that shaped my years as a father and continue to shape those I mentor today.
1. Pass on the good stuff I learned from my father and my mentors. Two verses shaped my thinking here:
· Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
· You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
2 Timothy 2:1-2
2. Live by integrity. Dr. James Dobson has good teaching on what integrity is: “Integrity is this single-hearted mindset, undistracted by the allurements of dime store compromises. It lifts up integrity: A) as a treasure that will not tarnish, but instead is an eternal investment; B) the ideals of true craftsmanship instead of just getting by; C) of doing right even if no one would know it; D) telling the truth even when its hurts; E) deliberately giving your best even in the worst of situations; F) having integrity at home, the marketplace, and in everyday relationships, not just as a nice mental ideal to which we pay glib service.”
3. Teach by example. Our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews often learn by watching what we do rather than what we say. A few weeks ago I shared some ways that we can do this. You can add others to your own list.
· Be faithful to attend church.
· Talk about the goodness of God.
· Be quick to complement and encourage others.
· Speak softly and avoid anger.
· Be patient.
· Avoid criticism.
· Pray regularly and encourage prayer.
· Be quick to help others.
· Read the Bible and other good books.
· Be truthful at all times.
· Look for the good in everyone.
These three principles are good not just for fathers, but for anyone who desires to have maximum impact on someone they love.
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