As men, we often struggle to find a healthy balance between our masculine roles. Do you find this to be true in your life?
We juggle the roles of a father, husband, and friend, and it’s challenging.
We tend to adopt various personas depending on the situation while trying to gain acceptance from our peers.
When out with the guys, we feel pressure to act tough and macho, even when it’s not natural for us.
While at home, we’re expected to be the provider, protector, disciplinarian and fulfill all our partner’s needs. As a father, we’re ultimately responsible for how our kids grow and mature.
Many men accept these demands as it comes with the territory of being a man, but for some, it’s a challenge when their identity in Christ is misplaced.
We need to talk about this because our identity as Godly men plays a chief part in how we separate our roles as husband, father, and friend.
So, the question is, how do I juggle all these roles and still glorify God?
There is no quick answer.
As a father, husband, and friend, my top priority is setting a good example.
I believe in being a spiritual leader, so I make it a habit to connect with God through regular prayer and reading the Bible, which gives me the wisdom needed for all three roles (See Proverbs 2 and James 1).
I strive to maintain a healthy and honorable marriage. Striving for this type of marriage honors my wife but also pleases God.
Parenting is an ongoing learning process, and I continually seek to improve my skills. I remind myself that while I aspire to do my best, I do not have to be and can not be perfect. But I trust the Holy Spirit is continually making me more like Jesus and that He gives me everything I need for life and godliness (See 2 Peter 1:3).
As a friend, instead of trying to focus on being a macho man, I surround myself with brothers who are like-minded and love Christ as much as I do. They help me to be sharpened and held accountable for my actions. God tells us that bad company corrupts good morals, so I commit to keeping this in check (See 1 Corinthians 15:33 and Proverbs 27:17).
I will leave you with these encouraging words: Perfection is not necessary.
It is okay to make mistakes.
Focus on strengthening your relationship with Christ, and watch your other relationships automatically improve.
If you wish you had an accessible place where you could learn about the roles God has called you to as a man, don’t miss out on Patros.
Patros has an on-demand video series called Man As… where you can learn how to operate as a man as husband, man as provider, and so much more.