Dads, ‘It’s What’s Inside That Counts’

Do you remember the old Zenith tv commercial that said, “Quality goes in before the name goes on”? What a great truth! The same holds true for us Dads. It is the quality of our lives that makes a difference. We want to be men of integrity, honesty, character, and commitment. We can look good, smell good, and appear good on the outside–but what are we in the deepest part of who we are? Am I growing as a person? Am I growing in my faith? Am I committed to my wife and my children? Am I becoming a man of God?

It’s so easy for all of us to put on appearances and wear masks. What God wants is authenticity. He wants us to be genuine. God wants to be building our character and helping us mature as men, so that we can bring spiritual leadership to our homes. Our wives are looking for men with confidence and character, and who will give leadership in the home. As men it is too easy to live ‘by our muscles’, ‘our logic’, and ‘our grit’–to the exclusion of sensitivity, a listening ear, compassion, and humility. It’s what’s on the inside that counts!

Steve Jobs used to say, “Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected. Be a yardstick of quality!” I want to challenge all the men who read this article to become devoted to developing those inner qualities that will lead to strong leadership in your home! Remember men: The BEST aftershave you can wear is the fragrance of Christ! Cultivate a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ and let Him be Lord of your life, and see how exciting life will become!

“So here’s what I want you to do, take your everyday, ordinary life and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.” Romans 12:1-2 Msg