Have you noticed how in much of today’s culture, fathers are portrayed as buffoons, losers, basically irrelevant? It doesn’t take much exposure to modern entertainment to see this. How do we fight against this false portrayal? I think the best way is for godly fathers to take the lead in their homes spiritually.

I think of the hymn by John Newton, "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken." One of the lines reads, “Let the world deride or pity, I will glory in thy Name…” Let the world mock us, but we will bring glory to our great God as we lead our families and seek to disciple our children.

I want to focus on this area with several suggestions and encouragements.

First, make sure you are doing this regularly. Older writers encouraged fathers to lead their families every morning and evening in worship. Maybe this honestly cannot work in your home, but seek to make it at least daily or as often as possible. There will no doubt be times you get off schedule. Get back on schedule as soon as you can.

Second, we need to keep it relevant. The word of God is the most relevant thing for our families to hear. We also seek to keep our worship relevant by looking to explain concepts to our younger children.

Third, I have found the best way to help my own children memorize is through regular repetition. This is what Deut. 6:7 emphasizes. Teach them diligently. Teach them by repetition and review.

Fourth, ideally our worship includes not only God’s Word and prayer, but also the singing of God’s praises. This is not always easy for fathers to lead, but seek to incorporate singing into your regular schedule.

Fifth, besides the word of God and other theological books, the dinner table is also a good time for the study of history or other worthwhile subjects. Fathers can lead simply by reading to the family. It doesn’t have to be a long reading to be worthwhile. Every father is going to fail at times and be frustrated. This is why we must trust in the Lord and seek for His work in the lives of our children. It is always in humility and trust that fathers must lead their families.