The Bible calls him the father of many nations. Often, we assume this meant he had many children. However, the Bible records he had only eight. Even today, the Jewish people are not multitude. Yet, Abraham is the progenitor of three religions – Judaism, Islam, and Christianity – and multitudes call him, father. Abraham became a father of nations by training his offspring, nation-building principles that persist till today. These key leadership principles are worth learning and emulating.

1. Vision: The bible records that God made a covenant with Abraham to bless and multiply him. This vision of greatness sustained him when God asked him to leave his comfort zone and move to another country; when he was childless, and when he embattled. Eventually, Abraham passed on this vision to his descendants. And they in turn, pass it on to theirs for generations.
2. National identity: Abraham’s vision carved out a national identity for his descendants. This identity and sense of belonging sustained them through wars, colonization, exile, migrations, and return to their promised land. Roots deep, Abraham’s descendants have a sense of belonging and nationhood.
3. Integrity: Walk before me and be thou perfect (Genesis 17:1). Despite years of fruitlessness, Abraham walked in integrity before the God who called him. Even when he erred, he did not hide his sin; rather confessed and followed through on resolution.
4. Economic Vitality: Bible believers want Abraham’s blessings but fail to recognize that Abraham worked hard for his wealth. He owned land, farmed, sustained his households and multitude of dependents. Though he left his homeland, he worked hard wherever he settled, and God prospered the work of his hands.
5. Security: Abraham had 300 armed men to provide security for his community and to fight for them, as necessary. Security is vital to the building of a nation; when the people are safe, they enlarge their coasts.
6. Good Governance: Abraham almost lost his promised son, Isaac by following God’s directive. He lost another son to family politics. Even when a leader is confronted with terrible choices, he does his best. Tackle difficult situations with grace.
7. Education: Education is important to a nation. Whether it is a sovereign nation or one under siege, without educating the children to focus on the vision, the nation would soon lose its sovereignty.

As a father, are you building a nation or tearing it down?