MODEL OF IMPACTFUL FATHERHOOD

“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him…”– Genesis 18:19a

The Lord God testified to Abraham as a MODEL of IMPACTFUL FATHERHOOD: “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way pf the Lord, to do righteousness a justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him” (Gen.18:20). Even though Abraham and Sarah were yet to receive the Promised Son, God affirmed the potential fatherhood of Abraham as a believer who would transmit God’s Truth to coming generations, and would be diligent in instructing his children and saturating them in the ways and deeds of the Lord.

The Lord was confident in Abraham’s fatherhood virtue of ensuring transgenerational transference. The same truth is echoed in Deuteronomy 6: 6-7 (NIV), “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Fathering is a Full-time assignment that takes place at all times, in all places, and through every opportunity! God recognizes the significance of fathers. When Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, God told him, I have made you a father of many nations (Gen.17:5). Let’s examine four scriptural “Figures” of Impactful Fathers: As Portrait, Producer, Provider, and Protector:

Portrait: The Father as Mentor, portrays positive influence; a role-model pointing to the Heavenly Father; an authority figure to teach and exemplify God’s Word – diligently, incisively, repeatedly, pervasively, and personally! (Dt.6:2-7). Where there's no model, there's a vacuum that’ll be filled by wrong influencers. Those who fail to raise their children will have Satan do so!

Producer: Children do not only expect a responsible father, they deserve one (1Tim.3:4-5). Every son thinks of his father as the best! He doesn’t care what the outside world thinks. He only knows that between the walls of the home, the father is about the biggest, wisest, most powerful person alive…not perfect, but good enough to be indispensable in his life.

Provider: of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical needs (Mt.7:9-11). True fathers show compassion and love (Lk.15:20-23). True fathers do not cast away or reject their children (Jh.6:37; Heb.13:5b). If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? (Mt.7:11).

Protector: Fathers bear, direct, and guard their children from predators (Dt.1:29-31; Psa.127:3-5). When fathers neglect their duty or are absent, families are attacked by marauding wolves on social media, movies, music, books, and among peers.