I recently came across a blog titled To the Married Mom Who Sits Alone In the Pew. The author gives a major shout-out to those married moms who do church alone for various reasons. This hit me hard. Now, I know my role is different compared to the average churchgoer because I’m on a church staff. But, it doesn’t change my role as a father and husband.

It’s psychologically proven that the role a dad plays in the lives of his kids is a big one. There are national campaigns to get dads involved with their children and mentor programs for men to get involved in the lives of other children so they can serve as male role models. There are emotional and mental issues that arise when the father is absent in the home or unsupportive or abusive.

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Dads, we have a major role to accept.

These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).

These two verses, alone, point to the importance of dads (and parents) being godly examples for their children. Obviously, I’m directing all my attention to those dads (including me) who are Christ-followers. It’s our responsibility to lead our families. It’s our responsibility to try our hardest to show our sons what godly men look like so they can, hopefully, see God in us and want to follow in our steps.

It’s our responsibility to try our hardest to show our daughters what godly husbands look like in hopes that their standards for husbands fall in line with our character and they don’t sell themselves short relationally.

So, dads . . .

Let’s take our role seriously.

Lead the way when it comes to faith.

Let your kids see you reading your bible. Talk with them about God. Pray with your kids and for your kids. Like I tell my students, we need to live our faith out loud.

Don’t be absent within the church.

Whatever local church you’re a part of, be a part of it. I know full well that it’s hard to be at church every time the doors are open, but try. Try hard.

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Set the example when it comes to priorities.

In our own lives, we must put God in front of it all. When we seek Him, we’ll want to be a part of the body of Christ. We’ll crave that time with other believers for encouragement, for corporate worship, and for the deepening of our relationship with Him.

I know life gets busy. I know you’re tired. I know you need time to yourself. Believe me, I know. I’m a dad. I’m a husband. I’m far from perfect.

But from the perspective of a student pastor, it’s extremely important for dads to not only be actively involved in their kids’ physical lives, but their spiritual ones.

This piece originally appeared on the author’s blog.