Proverbs 4:1 Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding,

Proverbs 8:32 “Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, For blessed are they who keep my ways.

I don’t know where you are, but I’m in my 21st season of the Dad Show. Casting started back in 1996, and the pilot show launched in November of that same year. We didn’t have writers or a budget, but I definitely had an audience. Two and a half-seasons later, we brought on a new cast member. My attendance just doubled in size, and we still had no script to follow.

I’m just having a bit of fun with the dad show concept here, but every dad is the leading man in his own dad Show. Your audience is always tuned in, and your ratings are all over the board. What is a leading man supposed to do?

Proverbs 4:1 tells us sons to listen to the instructions of the father and to give him your attention to gain understanding. I’m 49 years old and have seen enough dads to know that many don’t always give great instruction. But have you ever had the chance to listen to a Godly dad speak truth into a situation? He’s not relying on his wisdom, but rather the wisdom from his Heavenly Father. Dads who spend time in God’s word, seek His will and ask for knowledge usually speak from a platform of righteousness. I said, “usually” because we sometimes have a tendency to pass that Godly wisdom through our own opinion. 

It’s important for dads to stay in God’s word, read about parenting from other Godly men and have a mentor that has been through what you are going through. Surrounding yourself with a great support system will allow you to take your role in the dad show to the next level. You should never put yourself on an island as a dad, husband or leader. You’ll start to talk yourself into considering your opinion as the best option. That result is a skewed view and rarely provides a Godly platform in which to be a dad.

It’s tricky work starring in your own Dad Show as you may have thought your wife was going to handle the brunt of the work. You’d sit back and handle the significant issues with a carefree attitude. Not realizing that this job is 24/7 and requires you to spend time learning, growing, sacrificing and filtering your emotions. It will require you to work at being a dad when you may not want to. I know that sofa looks comfy, and naps don’t take themselves, but you are going to have to get your hands dirty.

Take the next few weeks to implement some of these measures to see if you can take your role as a dad to the next level.

About the Author: Tj Todd is the President of Studio490 Creative Services and Uncommen.