I have seen too many times where, because of our busy schedules and our commitments to people, projects and programs, we as men can find ourselves with little energy by the end of the day. And more likely than not, no energy by the end of the week either. When we get home we want to take a break and unwind. In and of itself, this isn’t bad. But I do believe if this break and unwinding seeps into the spiritual responsibilities we are called to fulfill and we fail at setting an example for our families, we will end up walking past the mantle of spiritual leadership God calls us to, and simply become a chauffeur for our spouse and kids as they join weekly programs. While weekly and weekend programs are very good and contribute to our overall spiritual health as believers, you, man of God, are more than just a chauffeur.
But how can we get away from being busy and simply driving our families around? What are some reasons that we use that make us step away from this vital role of spiritual leadership – a role that desperately needs to be fulfilled in greater measure in today’s society, churches and families?
I’m Too Busy
I have heard men say that they are too busy to assume the mantle of spiritual leadership. Since no one can go to work on their behalf and pay the bills, they see passing on spiritual leadership to someone else as a compromise. The thoughts usually go something like this, “Well, at least someone is teaching spiritual principles even if it can’t be me” or “Better to have something than nothing.” May I suggest that if we are going to pass something on to someone else and take a step back, let it be for something that anyone else can do. I believe that spiritual leadership within your home should never be up for permanent delegation to someone else.
I’m Not Trained
It is easy to see ourselves as being inadequate in the area of spiritual leadership. Let’s be honest, not many of us spend time to study God’s Word, and some
of us live in a constant state of anxiousness about being asked a question that we ourselves haven’t even worked through to our own understanding and satisfaction. So, rather than get caught being stumped with complex questions and hard to dispel doubts, we sidestep the moments of spiritual formation that our spouse or children are going through. And when we do that, I believe we miss out on an opportunity. The opportunity before us is an opportunity to set an example of good dialogue, healthy processing, and working through normal questions and doubts. If those in your home can’t feel safe to do that with you as their husband and father, there is no guarantee that they will find what they’re looking for outside of the home. You may not be trained, but you can set an example of learning. You may not have all the answers, but you can set an example of searching the Scriptures. You may have doubts yourself, but you can set an example of how you’re willing to work through those doubts. Set an example that speaks to the spiritual hearts and minds of those entrusted to your care.
You can be the spiritual leader that your wife wants. You can be the spiritual leader that your kids need. You can be the spiritual leader that the church needs more of. Don’t run away from this role but embrace it with all you have.
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