NFL star Benjamin Watson, who plays the tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, says he learned from his own father that a man must be the priest, provider, and protector of his family.
So when Watson started his own family and had sons and daughters of his own, he adopted the same goal for himself as a father and husband, he writes in an article for The Increase.
As the priest, Watson became the spiritual leader of his wife and daughters as he constantly monitored their spiritual growth. As the provider, Watson gave his family their basic needs - food, clothing, and shelter. And as the protector, Watson made sure that his family is physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe from outside things that could be harmful or negative.
"It's my responsibility to encourage them to be who God is calling them to be, and to show them that their identity is in Christ alone. It's both a great responsibility and a great privilege. Almost anyone can make a baby, but being a daddy is more important. Outside of being a husband, it's more important than other job a man could have," he says in The Increase.
Watson adds that he's fortunate his father was such a wonderful role model, not just for his own family but also for everybody he meets.
"He's the man that I aspire to be like as a father. He is not without faults, but he is an amazing example to so many men," says Watson. "I still have guys who I grew up playing football with telling me about the influence and impact my dad had on their lives."
When he was growing up, Watson did not always understand the rules his father put in place. But now that he has matured, he finally understands that his father was strict so that his family could walk in a way that would honour Jesus.
At the same time, Watson also looks up to the Heavenly Father on how to raise his kids. The Christian athlete admits to several shortcomings, but God's unending grace always inspires him to extend that same grace to his children.
"In the same way that I cannot be perfect and need grace for my mistakes, I also need to give my kids grace. I am constantly learning to be patient with them, understanding that they won't do everything right all the time, while still holding them to a high standard as their heavenly Father does," he says.
