Being a father is an extremely important job and one of the most rewarding on earth. When we choose to have children, we are tasked to “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

Nothing else is more important than raising our children in the Lord and being with them in heaven forever (Proverbs 22:6). We cannot overstate the gravity of the situation.

Are we taking it seriously? Are we asking what kind of people we are raising to send out into the world? Will they be a blessing or a menace? Will they be prepared for living alone? Even secular authorities who have looked askance at men in the past have begrudgingly admitted that fathers are indispensable to children.

Statistics are overwhelming that children thrive when they have an active father.

But what kind should they have?

A complete father is intimately involved in the lives of his children. He has a career and the responsibilities as head of the home (Ephesians 5:22- 23), but he also has children that need him. He will develop a resilient bond with them that is built on trust and unconditional love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Children will know they have their father’s heart and ear anytime they need it. He will be their steady rock who will admit when he is wrong and work to improve and grow.

They will laugh, play and talk. He will know something of their friends, with the help of his wife, and how they spend their time.

A complete father will know his children better than they know themselves. He will study them, knowing their strengths, weaknesses and what they need from him.

He will help his daughters become ladies and instruct them fully about men, dating, life and the traps of each. His sons will learn strength, knowledge, life- skills and an occupation from him. They will learn to be men of God who will lead their homes.

The complete father will model a spiritual leader and instruct his children in how to pray, teach, forgive, love and deal with others. Even as they leave the home, his reach will continue into their future paths.

He will be what his children need and their friends will wish he were their Dad. He will make a difference that will extend to future generations and into eternity.

–by Richard Mansel