A MAN IS THE SPIRITUAL LEADER OF HIS HOUSEHOLD
- The spiritual leader of a household is both a student and a teacher of truth in God’s word.
- He upholds the sanctity of honor and nobility in obedience and submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
- He chooses the way of both the lion and the lamb, the priest and the patriarch.
- He serves more than he is served.
- He consistently leads the family in prayer and other spiritual disciplines like reading the word and serving others.
It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, to be the Spiritual leader of the home, a man must surrender his life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and operate under the authority of the indwelled Holy Spirit. As men, we must seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness to ensure we lead God’s way (Matthew 6:33). Spiritual leadership is built on the spiritual tone we set as men and leaders of our homes. There is no greater responsibility on this earth than a man’s Spiritual leadership of his family. There is no higher calling than a Christ-following man leading his family to a relationship with Jesus and empowering them to live by those principles of absolute truth. What standards have you created for your family? Do they align with God’s standards and principles? Unfortunately, many immature ‘man-children’ are still dependent upon mommy and daddy to approve their parental and marital decisions. Too many men have been more concerned with their children’s acceptance and affirmation, hinging family choices by what best maintains their popularity and relevance in the eyes of the people they lead. Spiritual leadership isn’t always popular or accepted by mainstream culture, so our families may not always ‘like’ the final decision we make as men.
Jesus rebuked religious tyrants, called His disciples out and held them accountable to God’s standards without concern for their acceptance or approval. He was more interested in truth than ‘trending’.
However, our leadership voice is only as effective as our leadership example. If we speak about it but our actions don’t align with our words, we’re just left with a watered down, hypocritical megaphone. Don’t be that guy. Our families need us to be about it, not just shout about it. Legitimate Spiritual leadership is firmly rooted in setting Biblical standards for the household and then LIVING BY THEM. Many kings will give orders from the throne but few will operate by the principles they preach. Great men become spiritual leaders of the home by building the foundation on God’s word, never wavering from those principles because of feelings or culture, then living by the example they are setting. Our enemy, the devil, loves to prowl around and tempt men to maneuver through leadership with the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ philosophy. Families see right through it. They may follow out of obligation but not out of a respectful obedience. To be the priest and the patriarch, a man will be tender and tough. He will have uncomfortable conversations that are necessary and will also make difficult decisions. He always finishes the conversation or discipline with loving encouragement. The Spiritual leader of the home, through the power of the Holy Spirit, discerns moments to be firm and non-negotiating, but also gracious and patient. We are stern and strong while loving and learning.
SCRIPTURE:
”Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s Church?“
1 Timothy 3:2-5
”Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.“
Titus 2:2, 7-8
THREE SIMPLE THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK:
- Complete one act of random service for a family member each day this week.
- Gather your family members in corporate prayer each night before bedtime.
- Challenge your children or spouse with a scripture to memorize this week and briefly discuss practical application.
This is the first of a four part series from John Shibley. John Shibley is the founder and head of Last in Line Leadership. Check out his podcast here or wherever you listen to your favourites. Follow Last in Line Leadership on Instagram.
