“A
bishop then must be…one who rules his own house well, having his children in
submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own
house, how will he take care of the church
of God 1 Timothy 3:2 ,4-5 NKJV)
Our home
is a laboratory for leadership. God has
ordained the father to shepherd that little flock. If a man fails to lead those lambs, he will
fail in other leadership areas as well—and especially in the church. The same skills in leading a family are
required to lead a congregation. It may
prove to be the greater challenge!
The
reality is that when children have become adults, they will chart their own
course—often, if pointed in the right direction, they will set sail on a life
of following Christ. Sadly, some will
choose a different way, much to the heartbreak of godly fathers. But, while the children are at home, they are
under the supervision of God’s man and he is responsible for leading them.
It is a
grave responsibility, and Satan will try to find a way to destroy the pastor’s
home. Therefore, the man of God must
give his children much attention. If we
are not careful, we can become so consumed with leading member’s children to
Christ that we neglect to win our own!
This is
no easy task. Yet, guiding our children
to Christ and growing them in Christ is our duty. The lambs of our household must be fed, led
and protected just like those in the house of God. Tender love and sacrificial ministry is to be
rendered to the pastor’s sons and daughters.
The word, “care” is the
command for what we are to do—and that is most suggestive. Lange in his
commentary remarks about the same Greek word, “It is used in Luke 10:34 , of the care of the
Samaritan for the wounded Jew.” [1] Our children will sustain many a wound along
the way—physical, emotional, relational and spiritual. We rightfully attend the church member in
such a case, so let us not dare to ignore these hurts in our home.
A
pastor’s reverence and submission to his Heavenly Father should move him to
teach his children to respect and submit to their human father. Instructing children to respect authority is
one of the indispensable lessons needed.
May we renew our commitment to it.
A PRAYER
Perfect
Father,
I am
not! A fallen man, filled with
flaws—yet, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb—how much I need your wisdom and
work in and through me on behalf of my children. Enable me to be a good model for my wife and
children to follow. Have grace and mercy
on my family! Overrule my errors and
guide me so I know how to guide them to heaven!For the Sake of Your Son Jesus,
Amen.
[1] Lange, J.
P., Schaff, P., & van Oosterzee, J. J. (2008). A commentary on the Holy Scriptures: 1 & 2 Timothy. (E. A.
Washburn & E. Harwood , Trans.) (p. 39). Bellingham , WA
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