1 Timothy 3:5
(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
A failure among fathers today is knowing how to rule the house. First we must understand that ruling the house is not done as Hitler with force. It will never be accomplished by demanding it. Respect for authority is not a right inherited when you bring the child into the world. Surely you know that having a baby does not make you a mom or dad. Being a mom or dad goes much deeper than having a sexual relationship with someone and conceiving a baby.
Being a dad or mom is a position of leadership. Although this position isn't viewed in a great light by our present society, it is far more influential than the presidency. I often hear parents say, "My children don't respect me... They don't do what I tell them to do." So often it's because you are imposing rules upon them that you yourself are not willing to keep. Do you lead with respect? Do you respect others and most of all God? Then how will they know how to perform that which they have never seen? Do you demand that they follow your rule while you are breaking every rule? Think of this... Do you yell at them for breaking your house rules, but yet talk all kinds of trash against the police for stopping you after running through a traffic light or speeding?
Why would they care about your rules when you don't care about keeping rules? Why would your child want to walk with Jesus when you don't walk with Him?
Notice the scripture this morning. "For if a man KNOW NOT HOW to rule his own house..." Dad's, do you think you can rule the home well without first being a submissive follower of Jesus? Our failure that I was speaking of early is from not KNOWING how to lead, which comes from not knowing how to follow.
Ask God right now to help you lead your children. Ask for His leadership. Allow Him to rule your life so that you can rule your home well. Remember, He doesn't rule you as Hitler with demands. He came in love, died in love, saves in love and rules in love.
One of my absolute greatest concerns as a dad and a pastor is leading a whole congregation of people and not my very own children. The Lord has shown me that I could never rule the house of God without first leading my very own family. I could never lead without first following Christ. Thank you Jesus, keep leading. Where you lead, I will follow.
