Fathers today can learn a great deal about fatherhood from God's assessment of Abraham: "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him" (Gen. 18:19). Let us consider what being a good father entails.

First, good fathers must know the Lord. Knowing the Lord means that we have faith enough in Him to do what He says. Abraham proved this numerous times in His life (Heb. 11:8-10, 17-19). Doing what God says is the only way fathers, or anyone else, can truly know God. John wrote, "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments" (1 Jn. 2:3). Fathers, do we do what God says? Do we know God? Does God know us?

Second, good fathers must teach their children "the way of the LORD." This requires not only verbal instruction, but even more significantly, it requires exemplifying the pattern of life God intends for His children. The wise man issued this challenge, "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways" (Pr. 23:26). Actions speak louder than words. If we are to truly teach our children, for example, "justice and judgment," we must practice the same in our lives (cf. Rom. 2:21-23). Fathers, if our children were to do what they "observe" in us, how would they be? So far as their Christianity were concerned, would they be faithful or would they only be acting as if they were faithful on Sundays and maybe Wednesdays, if they attended services?

Third, good fathers will be blessed by God. Abraham was promised that he would "become a great and mighty nation," and that "all the nations of the earth" would "be blessed in him" (Gen. 18:18). Though our children may not bring blessing upon others to that extent, if they are faithful servants of Christ, not only will they bless those who come under their influence, they will also bring blessing on their parents (cf. Pr. 1:8-9; 10:1; 15:20; 19:26). When fathers are tied to this world, it may not seem so bad to have worldly children, but when we understand the implications of eternity, we could wish ourselves to be accursed from God than our own children (cf. Rom. 9:1-3). Fathers, let us rear our children according to God's assessment of Abraham.