I hate the word success. The definition always depends on the source. For some, it’s playing golf all the time. For others, it’s a second home on the beach. These things aren’t bad things; they just aren’t definitions of success. Why? Because you can play golf and have that second home while not prioritizing family over your “success.” Is that really success?
Steve Jobs was a notable success in the tech industry. But, as much as I love the company he built, as a dad, his priorities seemed questionable. What if, rather than seeking that kind of success, we focused on our dad responsibilities? What would those priorities be? Here are 3 priorities you should have as a dad.
1. Be a good man.
Titus 1:6 has a clear list of priorities for the strong leader. He “…must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion.” As a dad, your job is to be blameless. This can mean you’re not arrogant, you’re not easily angered, or you’re not greedy for money. It also means you’re known as being kind, self-controlled, and able to encourage others. In other words, you should be a decent man who has a good reputation because your kids need to see a good man defined in their home.
2. Be a good husband.
If you’re married, the same verse in Titus says the leader is “husband of one wife.” So if it’s within your power, have one wife and treat her well—cherish and respect her. In doing this, you’ll not only be fulfilling your role as a husband, but you’ll live in step with your wife. Imagine being the spouse who serves, loves, and cherishes his wife. Be a good husband, because your kids need to see how a good husband treats his wife.
Live in such a way that no matter what your kids do in life, they’ll say their dad was the real deal.3. Be a good father.
Looking one more time at that verse in Titus, the leader is to have “faithful children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion.” That’s a tall order, huh? We are to raise decent kids. To teach our children to be honest and reliable. Put another way, we should manage our houses well. Our kids should respect and love us. They should know we love them without our spoiling them. Kids have free will, so no matter how good you are as a dad, we aren’t promised perfect kids. But we are to be good dads—so good that our kids should know it. No matter whether your kids roam or rebel, your priority should be making your words and actions match. Live in such a way that no matter what your kids do in life, they’ll say their dad was the real deal.
Sound off: Which of these three priorities do you need to work on the most?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What do you think it means to be successful?”