Embracing Being a Christian Husband and Father in 2025
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We live in a world where many will vilify you for being a straight Christian male who’s married to a woman and has children.
Why? Because they’re lost (in more ways than one).
Life is not easy. It’s even harder if you’re a Bible-believing Christian. I have to specify it that way because many in this world profess to be Christians but don’t believe what the Bible says.
Nonetheless, we (you and I) are not to embrace any victimhood mentality. Because, as a born-again Christian, you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). Victims are not and cannot be victorious.
Therefore, I’d like to get into what it means to embrace being a Christian husband and father in 2024.
Love Unconditionally
Just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25), we are to do likewise for our families.
Please understand this, love is not a feeling that flows with the wind. Lust, like anger, is a feeling that comes and goes. Rather, love is a choice. Meaning, we choose to love.
Jesus Christ chose to take the sins of the world on His shoulders. He chose to be the sacrificial lamb for your sins and mine. And He chose us before the beginning of time (Ephesians 1:4).
As Christ’s followers, we’re to love unconditionally. But that doesn’t mean to roll over and let someone beat us. Yes, we’re to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5;38-39). But we must also be prepared for battle. Jesus said He didn’t bring peace but a sword (Matthew 10:34).
To love unconditionally, you must fight for it and even die (if necessary). There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends/loved ones (John 15:13).
Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of Your Family
As the spiritual leader of your household, you’re charged with your family’s spiritual health. It doesn’t matter if you feel you’re qualified or not. It’s not your wife’s job, or even your church pastor’s, it’s yours!
Sure, it’s a lot easier to pass the buck to someone else. Unfortunately, that’s what got this world into this mess in the first place. We don’t take accountability for our actions and responsibilities.
If you choose to stick your head in the sand, the world will continue to spin. You just won’t recognize it once you remove the blinders.
Believe me, I’ve failed at this more times than I care to count. Remember, the greatest Apostle professed to be the chief of all sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). We all fail at one time or another. But that doesn’t mean we should stay in that posture.
You can’t be the spiritual leader of your household unless you have a personal relationship with God. And you can’t have a personal relationship with Him unless you know His word. And the only way to know His word is to study it (not just read it) often.
It’s time to dust off your Bible, take that proverbial kick in the pants, and get moving. Your family needs you to lead them in the way of the Lord!
Building a Strong Foundation For Your Family
Every builder knows construction must start on a solid foundation. And for it to be sturdy, the walls must start with a solid cornerstone.
As believers, Jesus is our cornerstone and God’s Word is our foundation. Building a strong foundation for your family starts with believing in God who sent His son Jesus Christ. That through Him all who believe might have eternal life (John 3:16).
Does your family consist of believers? Do you teach them about the strong foundation already set before them?
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the Bible talks a lot about shepherds because it was a common profession back then. Therefore, most of the people would’ve understood the references.
A shepherd’s job, if you didn’t know, is to lead and protect the flock of sheep. Sheep are not intelligent animals. And they have very little in the way of a defense system. Making them an appealing food source for wolves and other predators.
You are called to be the shepherd for your family. As their shepherd, your job is to lead and protect your flock. Many fathers are great at the protecting aspect but fall short when it comes to leading.
Your job isn’t to save them, that’s God’s responsibility. Your job is to lead them in His ways.
“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” –Proverbs 22:6
In today’s age of technology, there are countless resources available to you regarding learning and teaching scripture. Our society is sinking further and further because we’ve gotten away from that.
Just remember, there are a ton of wolves in sheep’s clothing out there. And the best way to protect yourself, and your family, against them is to know the truth. God’s Word is the truth.
“In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” – John 1:1-5
“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” – John 14:6
Challenges and Struggles
Leading your family might not be as easy as it sounds. Families are made up of human beings. Each one has their own set of emotions, thoughts, and opinions. Similar to leading a team, as a father you have to learn to create a cohesive and learning environment for your family.
We started our children on this path when they were very young. So, when they reached their teenage years, they didn’t go through an identity crisis.
My wife and I worked as a team to raise them in a loving environment. She worked with them on the emotional aspect and scripture memorization. While I worked to help them understand their purpose.
Because we homeschool them, we were a part of their learning process. We could ensure what they were learning aligned with our beliefs. And not whatever the government and woke teachers decided.
Unfortunately, not everyone is willing to homeschool their children. It’s usually not due to a lack of ability either. I think most people don’t homeschool because they lack understanding of the process. Remember, when you homeschool your children you’re the teacher. And class happens when you hold it. Whatever time of day that might be.
Another challenge we face is work-life balance. We need to provide for our families. At the same time, they need us usually far more than they need the money our jobs provide.
Growing up, my father worked three jobs (two full-time and one part-time). We didn’t see him very often. And when we did, many times he was either falling asleep or angry.
Needless to say, I didn’t have a good relationship with my father. When my wife and I started our family, I knew that I was going to create a different path for us.
Related article: Choosing a New Path For Your Family
My kids and I have a great relationship with each other. It’s because I’ve poured into them and made them a priority over my career.
If we left our jobs today, unless we’re the owner, most companies could replace us. For some, it might be a little harder than others. Nonetheless, you’re replaceable to them.
Part of the downfall of our society is that there aren’t enough fathers taking an active role in their child’s life. But the ones who are active and loved by their children are irreplaceable.
Prayer and Perseverance
Finally, it’s imperative that you pray for and with your family. And more than just over meals. Most of us fall short of this, so give yourself a little grace. However, today’s the day to correct that if this is lacking in your family.
Thankfully, you don’t have to be a biblical scholar, pastor, or the like to do this either. Jesus gave us the framework in His sermon on the mount (Matthew 6). Some churches will recite it word for word. When praying with and for your family, remember this is a guide He gave us.
Like with anything, the more you practice the better you’ll become at it. And who better to practice with than your family? It’s a win-win.
And never give up on yourself or your family. God brought you together for a reason. Fight for them, not with them. You will have struggles. And God addresses that in His Word.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Throughout your struggles and triumphs, remember to turn to God. He made you and He is the one sanctifying you through the Holy Spirit. He knows what you need when you’re struggling. And He is your biggest cheerleader in your victories.
Fatherhood is not always easy. But it’s worth it. Go hug and kiss your wife and kids. Tell them that you love them. If you don’t do that regularly, perhaps today is the day to start a new tradition.
If you found value in this article, consider reading: 5 Steps to a Healthy Resolution After an Argument with Your Wife.
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