What we heard:

Brett Kern, punter for the Tennessee Titans, grew up in upstate New York in a family with strong Christian values. He became a Christian at an early age, but never really understood what a relationship with Jesus meant until later ok. After graduating from High School, Brett was recruited to play football at the University of Toledo.

Brett’s college experience was a turning point within his faith journey. Being away from his parents for the first time with new freedom and the pressure to confirm, he began to pursue a life of partying and drinking. Soon he became dependent on alcohol. Brett hit rock bottom with the reality of the direction of his life after having a bad experience with alcohol consumption one night during a party. He quickly realized that his addiction had gotten out of control and needed help.

That event lead him to pursue a different path and he began to turn towards his faith in Christ. Brett also turned toward his now wife, Tiffany, and others who were instrumental in his faith journey.

After four years punting for the University of Toledo, he was drafted by the Denver Broncos. With many ups and downs in his first years as an NFL punter, Brett ended up in Nashville, TN playing for the Titans.

Throughout Brett’s journey he has grown to love God’s word and live passionately for his wife and kids. He takes every opportunity he can to share his faith in his work place, so that others can know and love Jesus.

Brett’s main goal is to let people know who he is and what he is about. Brett wants to make an impact on people’s lives through his relationship with Jesus. No matter who comes and goes, he wants people to remember him as a follower of Christ.

What it means:

Faith and Family matters. In a culture that stresses the importance of getting ahead, dreaming big, setting selfish goals, taking care of your needs first and seeking out temporary happiness, we have to continue to place our faith and family first.

Brett reminded us that in order to pursue a relationship with Christ we need to be in God’s Word. He made reference to his mentor, Scot Lehman, from “In His Grip” Ministry. Scott once told Brett, “You’d never miss a tee time, so why would you miss your tee time with God?” As men, we need to make God’s Word a priority not only for our lives, but our families. Allow your kids to see your faith journey. Be a good steward of your time and make it a priority to show your kids that your faith in Jesus and love for your wife are most important.

Brett also reminded us to love our wives with passion. Brett was quick to brag on his wife for who she is and all she has done. To be a man of God, we have to learn to love our wives well.

Consider this: what type of story are you telling with your pursuit of your faith and family?

What to do next:

After hearing Brett speak so boldly of his faith and family, I believe there are immediate next steps for us:

1. Make a priority of your daily time with God. Carve out time today to begin a new daily habit of prayer and reading God’s Word.
2. Brag on your God. Take advantage of the opportunities you have at work to talk about Jesus and pray for others.
3. Brag on your wife. Celebrate her not only privately, but publicly.