RiverLife Weekly #33: Fathers As Disciplers-in-Chief
God our Father is the source of life. As heads of households (Colossians 3:18-19), earthly fathers are to represent our heavenly Father to their children. In the light of this, fathers have a disproportionate impact on the faith life of their children. Does this mean moms are not as important? Certainly not! Moms are absolutely crucial!
Yet it is important to affirm that fathers are called to take lead in discipleship at home. The main qualification to disciple others is to be growing disciples ourselves. I encourage you to put God first, always. Walk in fear of the Lord. Let your heart be strengthened in His presence. Our kids need to see us loving and obeying our heavenly Father (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) as we pray for them to love and obey God.
Fathers as disciplers-in-chief, are called to provide loving leadership at home.
- Love your wife (Ephesians 5:25-33). A good, strong and godly marriage is best for us and our children. (Read RiverLife Weekly Marital Discipleship at rlc.sg/wkly30)
- Provide for your family (1 Timothy 5:8) – not just materially, but emotionally too. Connect relationally, so each family member feels heard and known.
- Bring up each child in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Model for your kids and give them a vision of a heart that seeks God’s face all their days (Psalm 27:8). Help each child to know and walk with God personally.
Fathers and fathers-to-be, model wholehearted devotion to our Father in heaven. This is to stand for truth, pray continually and be fearless in living out the Great Commission. Joshua is an example of a dad and granddad who walked the talk for over 50 years. When he was near death, he still chose to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:14-18).
Joshua was fully devoted to lead his family to serve the Lord. Was his life perfect? No. In the same way, will we make mistakes as dads? Yes. I too, struggle to be a godly dad. But I am doing the best I can because I want to see my children thrive in God’s purposes for their lives. No matter how much pressure I feel, I want to be there for my children and their children.
But what about single moms or wives whose husbands do not disciple their children? Do your part to faithfully disciple your children while still showing honour to their earthly father. Where possible, invite him periodically to join the conversation. Pray over your household and trust our heavenly Father to shape our children’s heart. Our leaders and mentors can be spiritual fathers to your children.
Fathers, we have a mandate to set the family on a certain course. Set the tone for Biblical order and Kingdom priorities. Be like Joshua and lead our family to love and serve the Lord.
“… But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." – Joshua 24:15
Pastor Ben KC Lee
God our Father is the source of life. As heads of households (Colossians 3:18-19), earthly fathers are to represent our heavenly Father to their children. In the light of this, fathers have a disproportionate impact on the faith life of their children. Does this mean moms are not as important? Certainly not! Moms are absolutely crucial!
Yet it is important to affirm that fathers are called to take lead in discipleship at home. The main qualification to disciple others is to be growing disciples ourselves. I encourage you to put God first, always. Walk in fear of the Lord. Let your heart be strengthened in His presence. Our kids need to see us loving and obeying our heavenly Father (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) as we pray for them to love and obey God.
Fathers as disciplers-in-chief, are called to provide loving leadership at home.
- Love your wife (Ephesians 5:25-33). A good, strong and godly marriage is best for us and our children. (Read RiverLife Weekly Marital Discipleship at rlc.sg/wkly30)
- Provide for your family (1 Timothy 5:8) – not just materially, but emotionally too. Connect relationally, so each family member feels heard and known.
- Bring up each child in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Model for your kids and give them a vision of a heart that seeks God’s face all their days (Psalm 27:8). Help each child to know and walk with God personally.
Fathers and fathers-to-be, model wholehearted devotion to our Father in heaven. This is to stand for truth, pray continually and be fearless in living out the Great Commission. Joshua is an example of a dad and granddad who walked the talk for over 50 years. When he was near death, he still chose to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:14-18).
Joshua was fully devoted to lead his family to serve the Lord. Was his life perfect? No. In the same way, will we make mistakes as dads? Yes. I too, struggle to be a godly dad. But I am doing the best I can because I want to see my children thrive in God’s purposes for their lives. No matter how much pressure I feel, I want to be there for my children and their children.
But what about single moms or wives whose husbands do not disciple their children? Do your part to faithfully disciple your children while still showing honour to their earthly father. Where possible, invite him periodically to join the conversation. Pray over your household and trust our heavenly Father to shape our children’s heart. Our leaders and mentors can be spiritual fathers to your children.
Fathers, we have a mandate to set the family on a certain course. Set the tone for Biblical order and Kingdom priorities. Be like Joshua and lead our family to love and serve the Lord.
“… But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." – Joshua 24:15
Pastor Ben KC Lee
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