What Is Required?

1 Kings 2:1-4

There is a crisis of fathering in America and it affects us all.  Unfortunately, for a growing number of children the mark of their father is a stain or a wound caused by absence and apathy.  Whether present or absent, involved or disengaged, loving or apathetic, fathers leave an indelible mark on their children.  

Our children will use our lives as reference points, for better or worse.

What is required of a man to be a good father?

I. Presence

There is no real influence without involvement.

II. Purpose 

Effective fathering is intentional in its action.

III. Probity

This means being of integrity and uprightness; honesty.

IV. Passion 

This is a love that will not be denied.

V. Protection

A courageous father will intervene between the child and the world.

VI. Patience

The development of character and strength takes time.

Criticism is not equipping.

VII. Persistence and Perseverance

This is the quality of faithfulness that separates men in fatherhood.

VIII. Prayer

A father must go to the Father to learn to father.