Patriarch/Matriarch Project

Clare DeGraaf gives us a number of characteristics of godly patriarchs in his blog post dated October 14, 2021 (https://www.claredegraaf.com/post/family-patriarchs-1). I have listed them below with an editorial change to include both patriarchs and matriarchs. In my father’s generation there is still a sister living. Aunt Barbara is ten years older than I am. And partly because of her activity in our family I would refer to her as a godly matriarch. I’m not sure she sees herself that way, but I do.

Over the next weeks we’ll unpack a number of these characteristics found below. Read them over and let me know what you think. Are there others you’d add to the list. Read over Clare’s blog – the link is above – and let me know what you think of the blog as well. The definition I used last week came from his blog as well (with my editorial changes).

1. Is open and unashamed about his love for God and the things of God.

2. Is a student of scripture, and has developed such a confidence in its trustworthiness, that it informs every moral decision he/she makes whether he’s/she’s conscience of it or not.

3. Prays regularly for and with her/his family.

4. Seeks to win the love and respect of her/his family by selfless devotion to their spiritual, relational, emotional and physical welfare.

5. Is intentional about teaching the family to think and live generously, graciously and biblically.

6. As the family grows, he/she nurtures sons and daughters-in-laws without superimposing his/her will on their marriage or undermining a husband’s authority.

7. Intentionally works to become a godly influence to grandchildren, without ever undermining the authority or respect of their parents.

8. Serves God by serving others with grace and generosity.

9. Leaves a legacy of godliness to the next generation.

10. Creates a system for family-wide communications and affirmations.

Which one of these characteristics do you find it easy to exhibit? Which one(s) are harder for you?