14 Responsibilities of a Faithful Father

In Sunday school we have been going through the book of Titus. Our teacher was going through the section on  the qualifications of an elder. While doing this he pointed out the the responsibilities of an elder are very similar to the responsibilities of a father. I thought I would post the list as it was a good reminder. Also I'm very grateful to have a father that fulfilled these responsibilities well. 

Responsibilities of a Faithful Father:

•       To love them unconditionally.

•       To be concerned for their well-being.

•       To develop the relationship with them.

•       To pray for them.

•       To serve as an example in doctrine and life.

•       To provide biblical instruction.

•       To guide them through conflicts and difficult decisions.

•       To give spiritual comfort during trials.

•       To warn and protect them from danger.

•       To pursue them when they stray.

•       To lovingly discipline them when they become rebellious.

•       To labor to restore them when they fail.

•       To call them to maturity.

•       To prepare them for their future responsibilities.

How we should act as Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Dealing with emotional situations is difficult for anyone. In the fullness of the moment it is easy to forget how we are challenged to act as brothers and sisters in Christ and turn to our own selfish desires. Because of that tendency and because we all claim Christ as our savior and are striving toward perfection and glorification I believe it is fitting to include a reminder of our responsibility to Christ and others.

All to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31)

There are many reasons to care for people in their time of need but our foremost reason is because it is glorifying to God to help those in need. Our objective in everything we do should be to glorify God through it. The decisions we make, the advice we give, the care and support we give should be filtered through the lens of; “Is it glorifying to God?”

Submit ourselves to one another (Eph 5:21)

We would all have great benefit in reading Ephesians  4 and 5 as we go through conflict and difficulties. We are all Christians saved by grace and should act as such. A great leader or caretaker is humble, preferring others before themselves, being thoughtful in their service to others. There may be times of anger but taking care to not let the sun down on that anger. People tend to avoid problems in hope it will go away but we should seek to resolve and restore the relationship with those around us.

Confess and repent of your sin and seek out to resolve conflict (Matt 5:23-24)

This is a crucial step in the life of a Christian that is often avoided or even advised against. Do not expect to go to church, serve in ministry and live a Christ honoring life when you know someone has something against you. Don’t just say you are sorry or apologize to skirt around the issue. If you have sinned against some else then say it. “I did this, it was sinful for me to do it, I will take steps to not do it in the future”. True repentance doesn't just stop a thief from stealing; they will start giving things back.

Love God and others (1 John 3:16)

This is a great verse because it is only through Christ that we can know love. Look to Christ for how to love correctly. As your relationship with Christ grows stronger so will your love for others. It is through our love for each other that people see Christ displayed in our lives. People should look at our lives and see how well the church pulls together and helps each other out and know that it is not normal.