KEEP MOVING FORWARD AND GROW
Being a father is one of God’s greatest yet most challenging callings. As fathers, we carry a heavy responsibility: to love, guide, protect, and raise our children in the way of the Lord. But if we’re being honest, it’s easy to feel like we’re not measuring up, especially when we face the day-to-day challenges of fatherhood. We might feel stuck or wonder if we’re making any progress in becoming the fathers God wants us to be.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:12-14 that growth is a journey. It’s not about achieving perfection but about pressing forward and continually growing in our pursuit of becoming the men and fathers God has called us to be.
How can we grow as fathers?
1. GROWTH AS A DAD STARTS WITH ACKNOWLEDGING WE HAVEN’T “ARRIVED”
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
(Philippians 3:12 NIV)
Paul begins by saying, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal.” As fathers, we must recognize that we haven’t “arrived” at being perfect dads—because no one has. At times, we may struggle to find the right words, the most effective discipline methods, or the best ways to navigate the challenges our children bring. But that’s okay.
Fatherhood is about progress, not perfection. God calls us to keep growing, learning, and becoming more like Christ in how we lead our families. So, instead of feeling discouraged by what we haven’t yet achieved as dads, let’s embrace the reality that growth is a continual process. Like Paul, we must acknowledge that we’re not perfect—but we are still on the journey.
2. FORGETTING WHAT’S BEHIND AND MOVING FORWARD
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,”
(Philippians 3:13 NIV)
Paul encourages us to forget what is behind and press toward what lies ahead. In fatherhood, there will be moments of regret—times when we’ve made mistakes, lost our temper, or missed important milestones with our children. But dwelling on those mistakes or carrying shame only holds us back from growing into the fathers God has called us to be.
As fathers, we must learn to forgive ourselves and let go of the past. God offers grace and restoration, allowing us to move forward in our role as dads. While we can’t change the past, we can start fresh today, choosing to grow and become the fathers our children need.
Forgetting what’s behind also means not becoming complacent—whether due to past successes or failures. Each day is a new opportunity to learn, improve, and be more intentional in our fatherhood journey.
3. PRESSING ON TOWARD THE GOAL
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which
God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:14 NIV)
Paul declares, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize.” As fathers, our mission is to guide our children to know and love God. The true prize isn’t measured by worldly success but by the eternal joy of nurturing our children in faith and watching them grow in the ways of the Lord.
Pressing forward means committing to the daily work of fatherhood—showing up, being present, and continually striving to be a Christlike example. It’s not always easy, and it may not always feel rewarding in the moment, but it is always worth it.
We may not see the results of our efforts right away. Our children might not always recognize or appreciate what we do, and there will be times when it feels like we’re not making any progress. But the reward is worth the struggle. God assures us that our faithful efforts will bear fruit as we keep moving forward and growing.
Dads, remember—growth in fatherhood is a journey. You may not be the perfect father today, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow into the father God has called you to be. Like Paul, we must keep pressing forward. Let go of past mistakes, focus on today, and continue to grow—both in your relationship with your children and with God.
God hasn’t called you to be perfect; He has called you to be faithful. Keep pressing forward. Your children need your love, your guidance, and your example of perseverance. Press on toward the goal of raising them to know Christ, trusting that the reward is worth every effort.
Source: Jerry Ruslim (Global Men Coordinator)
