Notes: Skills of Fathering
Taking control of your parenting Part 11 Steve Elzinga
Being a great father
1. Being a good coach
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Proverbs 19:18 (NIV) Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
As a coach your job is to help your children succeed.
2. Being a player
Proverbs 14:4 (NLT) Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
As a player your job is to spend time & energy with your kids.
3. Being a seeker
Proverbs 15:14 (NLT) A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
Proverbs 16:26 (NLT) It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.
As a seeker your job is to leave no stone unturned in your search for knowledge of being a better dad.
4. Being a leader with integrity
Proverbs 25:14 (NLT) A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.
Proverbs 22:1 (NLT) Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
As a leader your job is to lead.
5. Being a faithful husband
Proverbs 4:23-27 (NLT) Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
As a faithful husband it is your job to set an example of how a man treats his wife.
6. Being a man of God
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 14:26 (NLT) Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.
Proverbs 16:3 (NLT) Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 14:14 (NLT) Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.
6. Being a man of God
As a man of God it is your job to lead your family in the Jesus way.