4 Ways Fathers Model God

by Annie Yorty

Good dads understand the importance of investing in the well-being of their kids. Every dad represents God to their children, especially through their formative years. How fathers model God forms kids’ perception of His character and authority. Inevitably, their future relationship with Father God will be shaped by their earthly fathers.

Proxy Fathers

If you have a retirement account or IRA, you may be a shareholder in one or more corporations. As a shareholder, you can vote on certain business decisions, such as the election of board members.  More than likely, you’ve never cast a ballot in these elections. It would be cumbersome for every small shareholder to travel to meetings to vote. Instead, you’ve probably received an annual proxy statement. This statement allows you to designate a substitute, or proxy, to attend the meeting to vote according to your wishes.

Did you know God also selects proxies? Parents, specifically fathers, stand in for Him. Babies, too young to perceive and respond to an unseen Father in heaven, need a human to represent God until they mature. God designates fathers to fulfill this solemn, awesome, and frightening responsibility.

4 Important Ways Fathers Model God

1. Unconditional love

I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. (Jeremiah 31:3 NLT)

God loves His children no matter what. Through mistakes, foolishness, rebellion, and rejection, God’s love never loosens its grip on His children (Romans 8:38-39). He never gives up on His promise to bring about His best in our lives.

2. Training and Discipline

For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:12 NLT)

A sure sign of God’s love is His discipline and training. He designs experiences in our lives to grow dependence upon Him. When we veer from His ways, He guides us back to Him through discipline. No loving father would allow a child to continue down a destructive path without correction.

3. Provision

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NLT)

Our heavenly Father intimately knows our individual needs. Because of His great love for us, He delves into His endless storehouse and provides exactly what will benefit us. His gifts are always good and generous.

4. Identity and Belonging

I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. (Exodus 6:7 NLT)

These words of identity and belonging repeat many times throughout the Bible. God wants us to know we belong with Him. We belong to Him. In this identity, we rest in security rather than flounder in confusion. The God of the universe is our Father. We find true purpose in the One who created us. We receive our eternal inheritance alongside Christ, our Savior. Proxy fathers model God by establishing a sense of identity and belonging centered on Him.

The Challenge for Fathers Today

These days, fathers are considered superfluous. Manhood is derided and discouraged. Alarming polls report a diminishing number of young men desire to become fathers.

In a climate of opposition to traditional families, I commend and honor dads who do their best to model God to their kids. I know the task of representing Almighty God seems daunting, and sometimes overwhelming, though many fathers won’t speak of their struggles.

Remember, dads, God has called you to the privilege and responsibility of standing in as a proxy for Him. He doesn’t expect you to rely on your own resources. Seek His wisdom, and you’ll always be rewarded.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5 NLT)

For those days when fatherhood feels like a slog through peanut butter, remember your heavenly Father’s promise and persevere to the end.

God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NLT)

Moms, if you’re reading this, be sure to encourage your kids’ father in his calling.

Join the conversation:

How has a father who modeled God made a difference in your life (even if he’s not your father)?

I welcome your comments!

Copyright ©2023 Annie Yorty