“My son, hear the instruction of your father.” ~ Proverbs 1:8
If you have a godly father, you have one of God’s greatest gifts in life. I’m so thankful that is the case with my father — Rit Varriale, Sr. From my earliest memories, my father always loved and encouraged me. He did not become a Christian until I was roughly 10 years old. Prior to my dad’s salvation, I remember the dysfunctional direction our home was going and the fact that my parents were on the verge of divorce. Yet, because of the grace of God, those memories serve as stepping stones to the transforming power of the Gospel of Christ. When my father became a Christian, everything changed in him and everything changed in our home — even our dogs knew something was different.
The way God transformed my father from a worldly man to a godly man has given me a point of reference for biblical manhood — something to strive for and something to point other men toward. So, what does a godly father look like? I’m glad you asked. Here’s an acronym to help you remember:
Faithful – a godly father is faithful to study, apply, and teach the Word of God (Psalm 1).
Answers – a godly father doesn’t have all the answers, but he’s willing to address all the important questions (Proverbs 4:1-2).
Trustworthy – a godly father is trustworthy — he does what he says he will do (Luke 15:11-32).
Honest – a godly father is honest, telling you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear (Hebrews 12:7).
Encourages – a godly father encourages his children and celebrates their gifts (Proverbs 22:6).
Releases – a godly father does not control adult children but releases them into the world to reach their full potential for God’s glory (Proverbs 23:24).
I’m grateful to the Lord that this Father’s Day, I will share the pulpit with my earthly father in order to honor our Heavenly Father!
Proverbs 17:6b — “The glory of children is their father.”
Happy Father’s Day!
God before government,
Rit