If kids complain about church on the drive home, it might be because of how you’ve spoken about it. I’ve been there too, shouting at my kids to stop screaming—imagine that. The old saying is often true: more is caught than taught. It’s crucial to live out your faith as you teach it. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. The godly dad makes disciples. Here are three key points for discipling effectively: #1 Recognize that you’re already discipling: God’s commands should be on your heart. Your actions and words already shape your kids’ understanding. You are a disciple-maker whether you’re intentional about it or not. #2 Know who you’re discipling: You shall teach them diligently to your children. Prioritize discipling at home. Resist focusing on external discipleship if your home life isn’t aligned with your teachings. #3 Improve your discipling: Talk of them when you sit, walk, lie down, and rise. Evaluate where you’re leading your family and how you can improve. Build trust by making sure your actions align with your words. Focus on modeling the traits you want to see: honesty, self-control, and service. Remember, don’t wait to be perfect—point your family to God with both your words and actions.

HOW TO LEAD MY FAMILY SPIRITUALLY: There exist myriad avenues to become a spiritual leader for your family. The day you became a father, you stepped into a sacred office. One the Creator of the Universe chose as the ‘model’ for all families and one He chose through which to make Himself known. The same goes for when you became a husband. Just like Jesus stepped into the office of bridegroom, so did you step into a sacred office.

SHARING A PIECE OF YOURSELF WITH OTHERS: In the Great Commission, Jesus told His followers to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). That imperative, along with many others in Scripture, highlights our responsibility to point others to Jesus and to pour into their lives as men of God. All of your wins, losses, triumphs, and failures are useful tools you can add to your spiritual survival kit. And they just might qualify you to be the perfect guide for another man who’s now walking where you’ve already been.