“Only be careful and watch yourselves closely
so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen
or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.
Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” 
Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)

When you hear the word “father”, do you typically think about dads and the responsibilities associated with fathering their children? Did you know that the Scripture’s use of the word “father” rarely distinguishes between fathers (dads) and grandfathers or great grandfathers? The word translated ‘father’ is much bigger than a single first-generation father. It refers to all fathers from each generation living at that time or fathers from our past.

June is when we celebrate Father’s Day in this country. This ought to be a day that acknowledges and honors all living fathers, including grandfathers—men who are dads twice over (or more) and worthy of special honor. I encourage us all to take a bigger view of fathers in our time and remember the significant roles God has given fathers generation to generation. Enthusiastically celebrate those who live out their ‘father’ roles well.

The heart of a godly grandfather (father) ought to reflect the heart of God for His children. He is to embrace the Father’s heart and reflect it in his relationship with his children and grandchildren. A positive relationship is critical if we are to be the kind of grandfather our grandchildren deserve. So, what does that look like?

Here are four intentional commitments godly fathers and grandfathers will put into practice to cultivate those relationships:

1. Watch: A godly grandfather guards his own heart from the lies and corruption of the world so he can effectively lead his own children and grandchildren in the ways of godliness. Our grandchildren will want our wisdom and godly counsel if they see our lives guided by good choices and wise decisions.
2. Remember: A godly grandfather who watches his life carefully will also be a man who never forgets the goodness and faithfulness of God in the best of times or the worst of times. A commitment to remember is a decision to pay attention to the amazing ways God works in life.
3. Teach: A godly grandfather understands the high value God places on all His children as His image-bearers, and he wants them to know how God has proven Himself faithful and good in his own life as He will in theirs. He will look for every opportunity to teach his children and grandchildren the truth about the greatness of the Father, the depth of His love for them expressed in the sacrifice of His only Son to pay the debt for their sins, and His relentless desire for their good through the purposes He has prepared for them in this life. They need to know that obedience to the Father is not limiting. It is freeing. 
4. Invest: A godly grandfather knows that important lessons are more often caught than taught. He reflects the heart of God by valuing the time he has with his grandchildren. He invests himself in his grandchildren with his time, undivided attention, and fervent prayers. While our grandchildren need and want a grandfather who is present, it does not need to be just physically. They also need to know he authentically loves them with the same love Christ gave to us.

May God raise up an army of godly fathers and grandfathers in these times who reflect the Father’s heart and represent Christ well to the next generations.