Leadership: Lead Your Family Well
In recent months, we’ve seen a surge of encouragement for young people to marry early, start families, and turn to God. I wholeheartedly support this movement. Let’s inspire our children to build strong, godly marriages and families. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 19:5: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” God’s design for marriage is unmistakable, a sacred union between a man and a woman, distinct yet essential to one another. As Jesus says, “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6). Raising godly children is a divine commission. Let’s pray without ceasing for our kids and grandkids to be bold for God’s Kingdom.
I’m increasingly convinced that we must be unapologetic about our faith in Christ in the public square. Our identity in Christ cannot be separated from our actions in our communities. A nation is defined by its people and their deeds. Yes, we are Christians first, called to make disciples and build God’s Kingdom (Matthew 28:19). If we shirk our responsibility to lead, we will lose ground to the enemy's influence. The spiritual battle is real, and we must boldly claim territory for Jesus.
The Christian life is about making disciples of the Alpha and Omega, God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Jesus didn’t mince words: He will return one day to destroy this world and make a new world, and “the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne” (Matthew 19:28; 2 Peter 3:8-10; Revelation 22:12). Men, let’s grow in faith and work diligently to build godly families.
The Old Testament shows us sobering examples of godly men whose children were a disaster. Eli, a priest who heard clearly from God and counseled with wisdom, had despicable sons (1 Samuel 2-4). They abused women, disrespected God, and ultimately failed their father, wives, community, and God, to their eternal shame. Likewise, Samuel, a godly judge, made the unwise decision to appoint his sons, Joel and Abijah, as judges over Israel (1 Samuel 8:1). They lacked character, being “greedy for money” and perverting justice (1 Samuel 8:3). We have great influence over our children, but each person is responsible for their actions: “Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right” (Proverbs 20:11).
Dads, it’s natural to want the best for our sons and daughters, nay, it’s essential. Scripture calls us to provide for our households (1 Timothy 5:8). As men of the church, we must also fight for the well-being of all the children in our community. I’ve heard from friends in their sixties who say they’ve never received help from the church for their kids’ needs. That’s heartbreaking. We must support one another.
But let’s ensure our priorities are aligned with God’s. We must raise sons and daughters of godly character, leading by example with sobriety, seriousness about God, honesty, kindness, mercy, and justice. If our faith isn’t backed by action, our words are empty. In our homes and organizations, position and power mean nothing if we’re not right with God.
It’s easy to get blinded by our desire to help our kids, but we must seek God’s guidance to ensure our motives are pure and aligned with His priorities. In 1 Samuel 8:10-18, we see the world’s way: rulers who oppress, take resources, and abuse families. God’s way is different: building, rejoicing, and receiving His abundant provision, ingenuity, and assignments. He calls us to be disciple-makers, giving generously in gratitude to Christ. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).
Lord Jesus, help us build strong families. Make us men who are committed to being the husbands You call us to be: strong, protective, godly, and wise. Help our wives to be the Proverbs 31 women You desire: beautiful, strong, faithful, and determined. Show us ways to support Your family, the church, and to love our community. We know that freedom is Your precious gift and that You've blessed us with families. Please give our kids grace, mercy, wisdom, and joyful obedience today. We trust You have great adventures and building assignments ahead for all of us. Amen.
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