Main Scriptures: Matt.6:8-9
More Scriptures: 2Cor.6:4, Matt.18:27, Lk.15:20
The third way you can lead your sheep as their shepherd is by guiding them through the things you want them to do and know. In giving instruction, you tell them what to do but in guidance you get involved in doing what you want them to do. For instance, you could instruct your wife and children how to give of their time and resources for the advancement of the kingdom of God. But in guiding them, you lead the way in practicing the act of giving. So, you don’t just instruct them how to pray, you also pray with them. That is how Jesus Christ, the perfect example of the good and godly husbandman, led His sheep-the twelve. In Matthew chapter 6, the Scripture describes His involvement in leading the disciples to pray. But when you pray, use not vain repetitions………after this manner therefore pray ye……(Matt.6:8,9). At another time, He took some of His disciples to pray at the mountain top.
These are some of the virtues you must possess when you are guiding your wife and children in the desires of Jesus Christ. Firstly, you must be patient with them. You must understand that your sheep have different learning absorption rates. Sometimes, they learn faster and other times slower. So, you must exercise care not to abandon them when they don’t get it right. If you have to repeat the process over and again, please do not hesitate. The second virtue is compassion. If you are not compassionate towards your sheep, you will easily give up on them. Your heart must be filled with passion to see that your wife and children exercise godly virtues. Jesus Christ achieved so much because He was always moved by compassion for the blind, the lame and the oppressed. Thirdly, you must pray ahead. This means that you prepare ahead, the hearts of your sheep, so that they can absorb your teachings as well as instructions. A lot of the times, your sheep are willing to do what you have asked them to do but somehow they are unable to do it. The Scripture establish this truth when Jesus said, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matt.26:41). And in response to that the Word of God says for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
Two benefits accrue to you when you truly guide your sheep. The first is that they see you as their mentor. In their discussion with their friends and family members, you become their reference (Jer.35:6). Secondly, God blesses you. For the husbandman that laboureth shall be the first partaker of the fruits (2Tim.2:6). You must not lose sight of this Scripture. You will always be the first beneficiary of the good things you guide your sheep through. And this should encourage you to willingly and joyfully be involved in leading your wife and children in the desires of God.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, fill me with the spirit of mercy and compassion toward my wife and children.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, help me to be patient with my sheep as I guide them into Your desires.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, give me wisdom on how to guide my sheep.
FAITH CONFESSION
I submit my will and emotion to the power of God and by it, I guide my wife and children into the will and plan of God for their lives because that is what makes me the good and godly husband in Jesus name. Amen.
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