“The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.” — Proverbs 20:7 (NLT)

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Chipper Jones just celebrated 35 years since he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves. Though he looked up to Mickey Mantle and other great switch hitters who went before him, Chipper is now like a father to many current players for the Atlanta Braves and at every level of baseball. During Chipper’s playing career and his time as a hitting instructor, he tried to do things the right way and show respect for his family, community and the game of baseball.

On a recent weekend, people noticed college baseball players flipping bats when they hit home runs during regional playoffs, and other teams using filthy language and speaking disrespectfully to their opponents. The immaturity and lack of sportsmanship bothered many, but when a respected father-figure spoke, people listened. Chipper responded, “Any team that doesn’t wear the uni correctly, taunts the other team, and has a coach that condones this behavior, is a disgrace to the game.” He went on to highlight the good example of coach Kevin Schnall at Coastal Carolina University who taught his players to show maturity and practice sportsmanship. Chipper Jones understands a leader’s role to encourage and correct when it’s needed.

When we describe the best kind of fathers, we typically don’t talk about their occupation or title as much as their hard work, how they invest time and wisdom into those they love, how well they lead, and the way they love their family more than they love themselves. The golden rule is best when it starts at home.

We read in the Bible how Job was helpful to his wife and children, and also to his community. “I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger” (Job 29:15-16). A good man has tough hands but a tender heart. The apostle Paul emphasized the importance of gentleness in our dealings with fellow church members, family and everyone when he reminded us, “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Philippians 4:5a).

God used various methods to promote humility in the founding members of Christianity because Christ Himself walked humbly. The strongest man walks in integrity and knows how to exercise self-control when it’s wise to do so. “Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined” (Titus 1:8).

God’s house is established on a solid foundation by the fathers of our faith (Ephesians 2:19-20), and He is looking to the men of current day to continue to lead families, communities and churches with the same integrity, humility, wisdom and Godliness. We would be wise to listen to and follow those fathers or father-figures who lead us well and point us to Jesus.

— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia

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