Leaders “Lead”
Grace to you!
So… you say you are a “leader” --father, pastor, preacher, deacon, elder, or teacher. Maybe you do have many great and wonderful responsibilities at church, and sure they are some of great respect and notoriety. Allow me to say this with as much class, veneration and principle as I can... So what!
Have you found it easy to go out to the church building and "show the love of GOD" to all those people, and can't and/or won't even attempt them in the building you call home?
Are you showering praise at ‘GOD’ gatherings, but "shattering" hearts and lives at the most important gathering established by our Creator--home? If this describes you, "Houston" or brother, we have a problem! There seems to be a disconnect with the "loving your wife as Christ loves the Church and gave Himself for it" part.
Do you recall what you have promised GOD you would uphold? You may find that I am not including Scripture references with this loving note of encouragement. That is mainly because I know the Holy Spirit is dropping Scriptural reminders to you as you read. Plus, the ones I would use would not be as cool as the ones He would put in your heart and mind.
It has been said, "charity starts at home." If that is the case, then leadership, grace, mercy, trust, faithfulness, honoring, physical touch, conversation, your face, truth and peace must live there as well. If we spend more time outside the home than inside with the one we raise children with, laugh with, cry with, and do life with, then, once again we are missing the point(s) made by not I, but the Lord.
How happy is the place you call home? How would they grade you on your ability to show them the same attention (with love) that you show at church and the OTHER people? Would they say you "abide" in the Word as confidently and strongly as you preach it? Dude! Guys! (gals too, if you are still reading) you have got to wake up and smell the coffee.
Your family needs your involvement, input, structure and presence. What are you giving them? Are you giving them the ("at least I am here at night") crumbs, when they are love-starved due to lack of your involvement with homework, dinnertime and decision-making?
Come on man! You have GOT to do better than that! If this is you, I encourage you to examine your platform, motives, and focus. GOD is calling on you to finish strong; and your family needs you. Be there!