Main Scriptures: John 10:1-end
More Scriptures: Joshua 24:15, Job 37:19, John 10:4
The third commandment is derived from Jn.10:4. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice (John 10:4). Every husbandman who wants to be the good and godly shepherd to his sheep must DEMONSTRATE THE CAPACITY TO GIVE DIRECTION TO HIS SHEEP AND LEAD THE WAY PRACTICALLY. Any husband who cannot lead his sheep is not fit to be called the shepherd. You are not the head of your family because you are a man. It is not about title. It has nothing to do with your age or height or even colour. You are the head because you are considered fit to give direction to your wife and children and very importantly lead the way from the front. From this verse of Scripture, you will notice two significant phrases. The first is that, “he puts forth his own sheep”. This means that every shepherd sets the agenda and direction for his sheep. The shepherd knows the way. He also knows how to navigate the way. So, it is not enough for you to tell your wife and children what to do. It is much more important for you to know how to go about it. For instance, you cannot tell your sheep why it is important to give of their finances to the work of God and the less privileged and needy in the society, it is important for you to show them by giving yourself. It is the same with every virtue and character you want them to manifest.
The second is, “he goeth before them”. This also means that as the shepherd, you don’t lead from behind. You lead from the front. You set the examples and lead your wife and children to live it. Your wife and children will never follow you until they can see what you see, and can observe what you do and say. For instance, if you want your sheep to follow you to serve your God, then you must be seen to be serving the Lord (Joshua 24:15). The times when you tell your wife and children to do what you say and not what you do is over. As the head of your family, your life is a seed. If you don’t plant it well, it will never bring forth the desired fruits God has ordained it to bring. However, for you to develop the capacity to provide leadership and direction for your flock, you must be a life-long learner. In Job 37:19, the Scripture says teach us what we shall say unto him, for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness (Job 37:19). You cannot give what you don’t have. You cannot act above what you know. Effective leadership is not a gift. It is an art that you must learn. The Bible is the best foundation for you to be better equipped to provide direction and lead your wife and children.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to demonstrate godly character to my wife and children.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to lead myself.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to live by example to my sheep.
FAITH CONFESSION
I have received power from the Holy Ghost to lead myself, become the good and godly example and lead my wife and children because that is what makes me the good and godly husband in Jesus Name. Amen.
We are expanding,
If you are interested in contributing to the growth of this devotional, willfully contribute using the button below
Be First to Comment