Deuteronomy 6: 6-9 6 “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 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. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
Much like “leg day,” everyone loves the results, but most do not like the process to get there. When guys hit the gym, they are usually working on their arms as we all want those guns that impress. There are some that may work on arms, shoulders, abs, and back. But how many times do you see guys on the leg machine? I know the pros are doing the whole body because someone other than them is measuring their progress. At the NFL combine, they measure everything, and you better be able to squat what they think you should be or it will affect your draft position.
Getting Involved | Leg Day
The same could be said for our role as a Dad. We do all the big things that may impress others, but rarely do the stuff that no one sees. Or we do it for the wrong reasons. Who doesn’t love getting a pat on the back for providing for your children? Dads are hard-wired to protect their children from danger. But what about the “leg day” equivalent for the Dad?
- Coaching your child’s sports team
- Helping them with their homework
- Teaching them to ride a bike
- Throwing the ball with them or having a tea party with your princess
- Having hard talks with them about life lessons
- Teaching good manners/habits
- Making time to do things they like
- Being a good role model for them
- Do you talk about Jesus with them? (leg day)
You may have been nodding your head while reading that list until you got to “leg day” – Do you talk about Jesus with them?
Just like only working out part of your body stunts your growth, so does not talking to your kids about Jesus. In fact, it’s the most important thing you can do with your kids.
Be Intentional
Don’t let it be something that is an afterthought, but instead be intentional with the discussion. Speak about Jesus early and often with your kids. If you don’t provide that leadership to your children, they will eventually find that elsewhere.
Just like leg day at the gym, you may not always want to do it. It may leave you sore and uncomfortable, but it provides an excellent foundation. Ask any gym rat, and they usually will throw out the phrase, “don’t skip leg day.” Let that be a reminder to speak to your children about Jesus the next time you hear someone say that to you.
About the Author: Tj Todd is the President of Studio490 Creative Services and Uncommen.
I was a divorced dad. My ex, though great at teaching the moral rights and wrongs to the kids, did not provide them with religious training on a regular basis. I worked to make sure they went to the kids group every Sunday, that they went to youth groups when older. Like many kids, though, as they grew older and moved out to begin adulting, they moved away from these things. But it wasn’t long before they came back, began talking to me about how God was affecting their lives. The foundation that had been laid had paid off with Godly adult children. This has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Sometimes leg days can be draining — having those tough conversations about why they have to go to church EVERY Sunday…why they have to go to youth group…why they have to pray at mealtime and bedtime. But like the article stated, I like the results I’m seeing. I am proud of the adults my kids have become because of leg days.
I like that article very much. Because not much responsibility to kids from dad today. Dad needs to guide his children. Thanks