Dr. Floyd Godfrey

In today’s world, fathers have a crucial role in shaping their sons’ lives by exemplifying healthy behavior and Christ-centered values. As Christian fathers, our duty goes beyond words; it is grounded in living out the faith and values we hope our children will embrace. The importance of modeling Christian principles is emphasized in Matthew A. O’Donnell’s reflections: “Even so, we fathers forget that we are being watched. Studied, if you please, to see how things are done” (O’Donnell, 2011, p. 13). Indeed, fathers are not only role models but also essential guides, demonstrating what it means to live a life of integrity, kindness, and devotion to God.

The Influence of Example

From an early age, children look to their fathers for guidance in understanding the world. They seek to emulate their father’s behavior, as O’Donnell describes: “When children are young, they want so much to be like us. Do the things we do. Watch the same TV programs. See the same movies. Have the same heroes. Root for the same athletic teams. Wear the same clothes!” (O’Donnell, 2011, p. 13). This mirrors the way young believers are drawn to follow mature Christians, striving to deepen their faith by observing those who live it out daily.

Fathers, then, have the responsibility to model both the small and significant aspects of Christian living. The words we speak and the actions we take in ordinary situations convey profound lessons to our sons. By demonstrating humility, honesty, and patience in our daily routines, we provide a living example of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When our sons see us actively practicing what we preach, they gain a clearer understanding of how to embody these virtues themselves.

Guiding Through Biblical Teachings

A father’s guidance is most effective when it is grounded in Scripture. Proverbs 22:6 advises, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This training is more than instruction—it is a call to actively engage in our sons’ spiritual growth. Fathers who study the Bible with their children, pray with them, and engage in church activities together lay a foundation that strengthens family bonds and builds faith. Fathers also teach resilience in faith by openly navigating their own struggles and relying on prayer, scripture, and Christian fellowship to work through them.

Christian fathers should also discuss what it means to uphold godly standards in challenging situations. In a world where young men face pressure to conform to secular values, it is vital for fathers to instill the courage to stand firm in their faith. By modeling this courage, fathers encourage their sons to prioritize Christ in their lives, seeking His approval rather than that of the world.

The Importance of Integrity and Accountability

Modeling healthy behavior extends to how fathers handle their responsibilities, relationships, and personal conduct. Integrity means being authentic, truthful, and dependable, whether at work, in church, or at home. Fathers who demonstrate these qualities reinforce to their sons the value of living righteously before God and others. Accountability, as shown by being transparent with one’s family, teaches sons the importance of acknowledging mistakes and seeking forgiveness—a cornerstone of Christian living.

Encouraging fathers to embrace accountability is essential, especially as sons grow into adolescence and begin facing ethical choices independently. Fathers who model accountability demonstrate that a true Christian man isn’t flawless but is willing to humbly address his shortcomings. This honesty builds trust and fosters a relationship where sons feel comfortable discussing their own challenges.

Living as a Reflection of Christ

The goal of every Christian father should be to live as a reflection of Christ’s love and grace. The apostle Paul advises, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1), underscoring that our ultimate model is Jesus Himself. When fathers embody the love, patience, and sacrifice of Christ in their interactions, they provide a compass for their sons to follow as they grow in faith.

As we strive to be these examples, let us not forget that our sons are constantly observing us, seeking guidance in how to live. Let us pray for strength and wisdom to faithfully model the values that will prepare them for a life of purpose, devotion, and resilience.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed counselor for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References

O’Donnell, M. A. (2011). What a Son Needs From His Dad - How a Man Prepares His Sons For Life. Bethany House.