There are approximately 64.3 million fathers in our nation. An estimated 26.5 million of those dads are married with children under the age of 18 — millions who have the priceless opportunity to influence their children and direct their lives.

The challenge comes, however, when a dad decides how involved he will be in his children’s lives. That decision is priceless.

Here are three things for fathers to remember:

Fathering must be intentional. Parenting of any value does not leave the results to chance. Dads must take seriously the development of their family.

Fathering must be patient and loving. Dads need to be involved.

That means we are called to show love in such a way that our children can model our behavior. Showing love to their mom is a great start-loving them is priceless.

Fathering must be spiritual. For a child to properly develop as a whole person, he or she needs a dad with biblical values, and one who puts into practice his faith. Statistics prove that families with godly dads have better results. Bottom line: Dads are priceless! Encourage the men in your congregation to be involved fathers.

‘‘And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, KJV).