Couples,
In First Corinthians 11:3, Paul writes, "But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man,
and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ." Thus, husbands you were created to be the "head" of
your family - leader. A family consist of a husband and wife, then your family is extended when children are given
to you. So why not strive to be the best leader? Maybe you are asking how do I lead my family in the 21st century?
You lead them in the say way men before you have lead their families in previous centuries - following God the Father and
His Son, Jesus Christ.
Now,
let's take a look at seven qualities that make a great leader.
1. Vision - Every husband must have a vision to lead
his family. This vision comes from God the Father. Seek Him for the vision for your family and then share that vision
with your family. Your wife was created to be your help mate; thus, she will help you care out this vision. In Proverbs
29:18 it tells us "where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained" (perish).
2. Servant - Every
husband must be a servant to lead his family. Jesus washed His disciples feet (John 13:5-17) and laid His life down for you.
He also protects us from Satan. Husbands you are to serve your family by doing for them, lay your life down for them (John 15:13),
and protect them from the enemy - Satan. Satan is trying to break into your home (1 Peter 5:8, John 10:10). One way to
serve your wife is to be sure she does not carry more than she should.
3. Connect with wife and children - Every
husband/father should build relationships with his wife and children. Jesus spent three years building a relationship with his
disciples. He desires to have a loving personal relationship with you. When you focus on building a relationship with
your wife, she will be your cheerleader, backing you up, and helping you care out the vision for the family. In
1 Peter 3:7, a husband is to live with his wife "in an understanding way, . . . so that your prayers will not be hindered."
When you are busy developing a relationship with your children, you will be able to help them in a loving way examine their own lives
with God as well as reveal in honesty, facts that show things are not right.
4. Passionate - Be passionate about your
Heavenly Father and your Savior and Lord - Jesus Christ. You are the worship leader for your family. Lead them in
family devotions. This is not hard, and you do not have to have a degree in the Word of God. You only need a willing heart
to be taught and used by God the Father. Jesus prayed and spent time with the Father so must you in order to be
passionate about Him.
5. Mediator/Intercessor - Husbands/fathers pray for your wife and children. Jesus
prayed for His disciples. Read the beautiful prayer He prayed for them in John 17. Are you praying these words
for your family? Jesus is also our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) and our intercessor (Rom 8:34, Heb 7:25)
6. Communicator
- Husbands/fathers are you communicating God's Word to your family? Are you communicating the vision for your family
to them? Jesus communicated that the Holy Spirit would be sent after He left them (John 14). He also told them about His
upcoming death and resurrection (John 16).
7. Believe in them - Do you believe in your wife and children? Jesus believed
in His disciples. He believes in you. He believes you can be A GREAT LEADER to the family God gave you!
In order to show your family you believe in them do the following: emphasize their strengths, list their past successes, and
instill confidence when they fail by telling them about your past troubles and traumas (Relationships 101: What Every Leader Needs
To Know by John C. Maxwell, pp.25-29) Jesus uses the Word of God to show you He believes in you.
Luke 9:25 says, "For what
is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?" Husbands/fathers, what would it profit you
to gain the whole world and lose your family?
Josh McDowell said, "The greatest thing a father can do for his children is to
love their mother." In order to show your love, be the Leader of your family. Recognize that you can do nothing without The
Father & Jesus (John 15:5) Be sure to make Jesus #1 in your life. Then, I challenge you to step up to the plate
- be the "head" of your family - The LEADER God created you to be!
