Proverbs 20:7 Integrity is moral wholeness, consistency, and undivided loyalty to God. It is alignment of inner thoughts and private beliefs with outward actions, living blamelessly regardless of the circumstances.

Learning To Be a Father

Philippians 2:19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 This passage highlights two men that modeled values that caused Paul to comment that they deserved high honor.

Compassion

God is looking for men who put relationships before profit and work. These men recognize distress and take active steps to alleviate it. They are able to be moved at a deep level and are willing to suffer for the good of others, like Jesus. Paul mentions that Timothy is the only one who has a mind to care for others and not seek their own. It takes learning to understand that as a dad, my actions will affect others. It’s in our nature to focus on ourselves and our own needs.

How developed is your relationships with your children or family? Expressed intention isn’t the same as taking time with someone. I have to listen to someone else in order to have compassion.

My children will always watch and learn from my modeled actions. Just as when a company puts people before profits the business becomes more profitable, my relationships will come before results.

Consistency

Character should come before conformity. Don't be afraid to stand up for what is right. Show this consistently to children. The second half of the verse that says to not provoke children to wrath reminds me that I am to nurture them. A father that is a hypocrite can be provoking. The verse describes a man that is consistent in what he says and follows through. Life can be full of sadness or unexpected twists, but I can still be consistent.

Proverbs 10:9 Upright is translated as “integrity.” God is more interested in integrity than a short-term image. The character and the actions behind the image is what counts. Is my private life consistent with my public image? My private life is what my children see.

Cooperation

Men are often competitors. This way of life is living for self. A man that puts aside personal competition to cooperate with his family is modeling how the church family works. Family support is important when there’s a crisis, whether it's a nuclear or church family. Fathers also need their family.

Committment

Epaphroditus, a man in the church, said he would help with handling Paul’s bills while he was in prison. He traveled between Rome and Philippi, over 800 miles, to meet this committment. During his journey, he got very sick, but he persisted. Our children need to see the importance of the cause of Christ. Our faith has works.

James 2:17

Courage

Epaphroditus took risks to serve God. His service came before security. Paul says to hold men like this in high honor.

Am I learning to be a better father?

Paul said, “I have no one else like Timothy.” Why weren’t there more godly men to send? Can God say "I have nobody else like [fill in your name]?" God is looking for godly fathers who will be committed to their families.