NFL star Benjamin Watson continues to live out his Christian faith, revealing that he strives to be the priest, provider, and protector of his family as a reflection of how God loves his own children.
In an article that he wrote for The Increase, Watson, who has five children with his wife of 11 years, Kirsten, explained that he view himself as the "priest" of his home.
"I've heard my father say that the man is to be the priest, the provider, and the protector of his family. He's the priest because he is the spiritual leader, monitoring and growing the spiritual temperature of his family," Watson wrote. "He's the head of the house, responsible for providing for his family's needs: food, clothes, shelter, etc. He's the protector, protecting his family physically, emotionally, and spiritually from outside things that would be harmful or negative."
The 35-year-old Baltimore Ravens tight end revealed that his own father, who he referred to as a "great role model," taught him to look to God as an example for how to parent his children.
"In the same way that I cannot be perfect and need grace for my mistakes, I also need to give my kids grace," he said. "I am constantly learning to be patient with them, understanding that they won't do everything right all the time, while still holding them to a high standard as their heavenly father does."
Watson frequently uses his platform to share the Gospel and offer Biblically-driven commentary on social issues such as racism, religious freedom, and Christian persecution.
Earlier this year, the athlete pointed out the irony of Americans using the hashtag #prayforparis after at least 129 Parisians were killed in terrorist attacks on the French capital on Nov. 13.
"As a nation we have collectively prayed for Paris this week. Yet as a nation we suspend a football coach for praying after a game. We must choose," Watson wrote on Facebook, referring to Joe Kennedy, an assistant high school football coach who was suspended for continuing to conduct post-game prayers on the 50-yard line after the district had asked him to stop.
During the Indiana Fellowship of Christian Athletes Night Of Hope event in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on May 2, the 35-year-old NFL star urged those in attendance to join him in speaking up in the name of Christianity.
"As believers (in God), we have an answer the world does not. One of the biggest divides we have is the difference in experiences," Watson said, according to the Journal Gazette. "We have to address our loyalties. Our loyalty is not to our grandparents, the traditions, our volleyball team, our friends; as believers, our loyalty is to Scripture."
