Fatherhood is an important role that requires intentionally. So many things try to pull for your attention but fatherhood is a responsibility you should not neglect or pursue passively. True fatherhood is a calling that is modeled after God and taken seriously through a consistent pursuit of fitness, hence: The Fitness Model Dad.
Model
You are made in the image of God but as a father, you are also a reflection of God, and who He is as our Heavenly Father, to your children. How your children view and see you tends to be how they view and see God. Even your personal current or previous view of God can be traced back to your relationship with your biological father. There are positive views that includes being loving, caring, present, strong, kind, and good. Then there are negative views that include but are not limited to being absent, harsh, unsupportive, cruel, and reckless.
The goal isn’t for you to be perfect or flawless. Don’t try to be God. Just do your best, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to model who He is to your children. Your actions and inactions affect our children and their belief system. While your children can overcome the hurts and wounds created by you, do our best to not add to the baggage and barriers they have to overcome. Be the right model of the Father to your children and trust Him to cover our areas of lack and imperfections. In doing so, you can trust He is saying “Well done!”
Fitness
Google “fitness” and you will find that one of the definitions states that it is “the quality of being suitable to fulfill a particular role or task”. Lets look at what it looks like to be a fit father.
Spiritually, be a fit father by praying for and praying with your children. Teach them about the Father and give them the truth of the Gospel. Pray and ask Him to give you the strength you need to to the best father to your children you can possibly be.
Mentally, be a fit father by believing in Christ and trusting the Holy Spirit to help and guide you. In that, your belief system will be strong and anchored in Christ. Pass this belief system on to your children. Have the faith and belief that you are enough. Regardless of your past or shortcomings, have the mindset that you are a great dad who is devoted to continue growing and become an even better father. Confidence and competence goes a long way.
Physically, be a fit father by getting and staying in shape. Model to your children the importance of properly feeding and caring for the temple God gave us. The healthier you are, the better your life can be with and for your children. Take care of your body so you are able to use it fully to love your children with the least amount of limitations possible.
Personally, be a fit father by being you and caring for yourself well. Your child don’t need you to be anyone else. Who God made you and is molding you to be is enough. Don’t shrink back. Don’t fear. You are enough. Show up. Trust Him to help you. Give your children the best version of you by making self care a priority and staying on top of your health through regular check ups and appointments.
Relationally, be a fit father by spending intentional time with your children and getting in community with other men and fathers so you can continue to grow. Make time to spend time with each individual child. Allow each one to have their own special relationship and time with you. Don’t parent or father in isolation. God puts us in community. Yes we need Him but He gives us others too. Be open to the wisdom, love, support, and advice that comes with community. It will strengthen you in your role as father.
Professionally, be a fit father by taking your purpose, calling, and work seriously. You are modeling to your children the importance and value of work and how it should be as unto the Lord. Model what it means to follow and obey the voice of the Lord and do whatever He tells or calls you to do. Help them discover and develop their interests and encourage them to go after their God given dreams as you model pursuing yours.
Financially, be a fit father by stewarding your finances well. Set your children up for success. Don’t stop at giving them money and spending money on them. Learn and pass on financial wisdom and strategy to your children. Manage and teach them how to manage and grow finances. Tithing, budgeting, and saving and the most important areas and are great places to start.
Every Father A Fitness Model
Good or bad, every father is a fitness model and can be a better one. Be determined to grow in your fitness as a father and choose to model fatherhood after the greatest Father that created you and called you to this role. It may feel like a lot but choose to follow His leading and take one step/digit at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed. You are destined to grow and be the best father your children could have asked for. You got this! As you seek to model Him, know that He is for you and with you!
To all the fathers and fathers to be: Happy Father’s Day!
Fitness By Digits, LLC