From brother to husband to father, you will take on many roles throughout your life, but one of the most important roles you will ever choose for yourself is the role of a spiritual leader. If you want to be the best brother, husband or father you can be, then you must also be a spiritual leader.

As a man, being a spiritual leader in your household and your community means so much more than reciting Bible verses and attending church. If that’s all you’re doing, (and you’re only doing it to check off your ‘duties’ from your weekly to-do list) then you’re failing as a spiritual leader, and in essence, you’re failing your family, your community and yourself.

So, what does it mean to be a spiritual leader? It means many things on many levels. It means you take great care in your personal relationship with God, it means you work to obey the Lord and provide a good example for others, and it means you share your love for God with those around you. However, it doesn’t stop there.

Let’s start with the first and most obvious step you can take as a spiritual leader; that step is following the commandments God has given you. “But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”Joshua 22:5 reminds us that we must always obey God and his commandments, no matter what. If you are doing this, you are not only serving God, but you are also serving those around you with your example of what it means to worship God through actions.

However, Joshua 22:5 also reminds us that serving the Lord is about more than just following God’s commandments. Truly loving God with all your heart, letting go of anger, resentment, jealousy or other negative feelings will only make you stronger spiritual leader and better role model for other Christians around you. Being a spiritual leader means you take great care to grow your personal relationship with Jesus, loving God and never being afraid to share why. If you are a Christian husband or father, then it is your duty to cultivate your spiritual life, finding wholeness in God, encouraging those around you to do the same.

As a husband or father, this is your chance to pass on traditions, values and morals that will last for generations to come. And, as a man, isn’t this something that we all desire for our offspring? From the prayers you choose at holiday dinners to the Bible stories you share with your children, these are memories your family will cherish and are likely to carry on in their own lives. As a spiritual leader, these choices are completely up to you. What an amazing opportunity you have to guarantee your legacy in your family and in the greater family of God.

If you’re not sure about your own ability to be a spiritual leader, or feel you could be a stronger spiritual leader, start by attending a weekly bible study where you can discuss what this role means to you and what it means to other Christians like you. By joining a bible study, you may also find another Christian who can serve as a role model for you as a spiritual leader, so that you may do the same for others. Also consider setting up a meeting with a leader in your church to discuss this topic. Meeting for lunch or coffee is an easy way to start the process and allows you to have a personal discussion on being the “Spiritual Head of Household” for your family.

God blessed you with a miraculous life. By serving the Lord and being a spiritual leader for your community, you are giving both God and yourself the greatest gift you can ever give. This is your chance to find wholeness in God and to share that wonder with your friends, your family and yourself. Be the best brother, husband and father you can be, be a spiritual leader.