A Dad of Integrity
There is no other character trait more critical to fathering children than being a person of integrity. Integrity develops, grows, and earns the trust, confidence, reliance, and love of individuals. People desire and are looking for a leader. The best leaders are people of high moral character. They are trusted. Men of integrity are vital in every group of people; the corporation, institution, organization, club, church, task force, committee, etc. Moral character is absent in much of society. We must revive the moral fabric of our homes in the institution we call family.
Integrity is the Number One Character Trait to Fathering
We were all created equal, but a person of integrity is far more valuable as a leader than someone lacking integrity. Good dads become an authority and a model to their children and influence them towards good Godly character. An honest, sincere, faithful, loving, and truthful person will likely be a great daddy to his children and a societal leader.
Outward appearance is not a measurement of integrity. Politicians, for example, make lofty promises every election year. They make promises they cannot keep. People can say the right things without following through. Day in and day out, integrity is tested. The test of integrity is when life becomes difficult. When a dad’s life gets jarred, and things go wrong, the test is on. If a man remains honest, sincere, faithful, and loving during difficult times, he passes the integrity test.
People can appear to have integrity for the short-haul, but true integrity is tested over the long-haul
Very young children often see their dad as a person of integrity, a hero figure, and a jack-of-all-trades. High expectations eventually are met by the reality that dad is human. Character is fragile and easy to shatter. One weak or foolish moment can destroy a good name. Lost integrity takes time, consistency, and many proofs to get it back. It is easier to lose a good reputation than it is to gain it back.
“Integrity is not measured by what people think about you, but what you know to be true about yourself.”
To live with integrity is to have a moral code as a guide to life, like the Bible. It becomes a choice between right and wrong. The guide to deciding becomes your moral code. It is the Principle of Prior Choice. If we live by a moral code, we know how to respond to life situations, and it helps us become a person of integrity.
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9 NIV
One way children learn is by observing their parents. Our integrity will bless our children. Being of high moral character will lead to a good name. A parent’s good reputation is a blessing for their children. When we continue walking in integrity, our children will benefit.
The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them. Proverbs 20:7
Dads can be a model that will continue to bless their children after them. Do not be too hard on yourself if you struggle to be a person of integrity and high moral character. Gaining a good name is a process, and your desire to live a model life before your children matures over time. Soon the fruitfulness of your character will become significant. You can be a dad of high moral character.
Ten Things to Help You Become a Better Dad:
- Quickly admit when you are wrong about something
- Ask forgiveness whenever you have been out of line
- Often confess that you have not arrived and that you are far from perfect.
- Be the first to repair relationships that have become rocky.
- Work on anger control and management.
- Bridle your runaway and harmful blaming tongue.
- Do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason.
- Give of your time, talent, and treasure with abundant generosity
- Seek, tell, and obey the truth
- Put people first. Love with a selfless, non-judging, desiring the best for them kind of love.
