Thank You Dads

By Bill Herried

Never discount your influence as a dad.

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29)

When I was in elementary school, I remember telling one of my classmates “My dad can beat your dad!” In my mind, my dad could do anything…he was like Superman!

But as the years passed, my perspective changed—dad went from an all-powerful, mythical status to human. But even today I value dad’s insight and experience. And it was his guidance that helped form who I am today.

What most of us guys don’t realize is the incredible influence we have on the next generation. Whether you’re a dad, an uncle, a foster-dad, a grandfather, papa, or the lone adult male influence in your family, you play a powerful role in the lives of the next generation.

You are a living example to those in your sphere of influence. But for most of us, we can feel unqualified. After all, there is no degree or certification for dads—much less for grandparents!

Good leaders are good followers.

Considering all of the training we receive in the workplace, it is ironic that none of us were trained to be dads, uncles or grandfathers. So, we do our best as we go along. But over these past many years of leadership, there is one principle of leading well that stands out to me: The best leaders are good followers.

One of the BIG myths of our time is that good leaders are the ones who blaze the trail by themselves: they call the shots and live by their own rules.

But the truth is that good leaders begin as good followers; the ultimate model to follow is Christ himself. And Jesus encouraged his followers to do just that: to follow him. He said:

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

The ultimate person to emulate is Christ. And when you walk with him, you will see, live and lead at a different level.

With Father’s Day coming this weekend, just want to say a big thank you to the men who are shaping our future. In this process, learn and lead from the best: walk with Christ. Even when you don’t feel like you’re making a difference—your life and your influence counts. Make it your goal to lead the next generation well. And you’ll never go wrong when you walk with him.

Bill Herried is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet. Together they have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren. He has been the lead pastor at CenterPoint Church in Tacoma, Washington since 2006. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, and Master of Divinity from Corban University in Salem, Oregon—and he loves a good biryani.  To read more about Bill, check out his blog.

Feature photo is the personal property of Bill Herried and cannot be used without his permission!