What power the husband/father possesses. With his words he has the ability to tear down or elevate; he can provoke to anger or prod to perfection. His responsibilities are many and the distractions are limitless. The problem we face today is that many men are unprepared, uneducated, illiterate and ill-equipped to lead their family according to the dictates of God's Word. That being said, many men have chosen to contract the raising of their children out to others; everything from public school to Sunday school. As Godly men, we must understand our important, God-given responsibility and take back the raising of our family. Allow me to illustrate a few basic tips from God's Word that can assist you in being a wonderful, Godly husband/father.
Don't be like Adam. In Genesis 2:16-17 Adam is told that he can eat of all trees in the garden except from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He was warned that in the day he did eat of it, he would surely die. As you know, Adam chose not to follow God's instruction and ate of the forbidden fruit. Fast forward to Genesis 3:17. God is about to curse Adam, and we see an interesting line. Why was Adam cursed? Because he heeded the voice of his wife. My intention is not to say that a Godly man never listens to his wife, but rather that a Godly man always listens to his Father. If and when others line up with God's direction, we are free to move. But if ever those paths diverge, we must always follow God's course. As Romans 3:4 states, "Let God be true and every man a liar." A true, Godly man will be centered in God's Word, allowing it to direct his steps. Psalms 119:133 says, "Direct my steps by your Word and let no iniquity have dominion over me."
Do be like Noah(in most ways). In Genesis 6:9 Noah is characterized as being a "just man, perfect in his generations." In verse 10-11 we see that Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth; all of which were being raised in a corrupt, violence filled earth. Noah was able to instruct his boys in such a way, that even when all of creation mocked their father for building a huge ark, they stood with their dad. What a job he must have done. Can you imagine the pressure there must have been from their in-laws to desert their dad and return to reality? Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and if we desire to be Godly fathers, we must ask for such grace to be able to train up our children in the way they should go(even in the midst of a corrupt and violent world), so that they may never depart from His statutes.
Role model. Whether you know it or not, you are constantly role modeling for your family, sometimes good things, and other times, not so good. I Timothy 4:12 tells us that we should be examples in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity. I encourage you to evaluate your life and see how you are doing at role modeling in each of these areas. I would like to expound upon one area that should not go unnoticed...your wife. Be an example to your children in how to love their mother. As Colossians 3:19 tells us, "Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them." When satan comes and attempts to put evil thoughts into your mind about your wife, get rid of them. Honor her with your words, acknowledge her by your actions. Explain to your children how blessed your family is to have such a wonderful woman in the home.
While this is not an exhaustive list, it should serve as a good foundation for any husband/father that desires to have a better, God-centered family. May God bless you as you strive to follow His plan for your role within the family.
No comments:
Post a Comment