Main Scriptures: 1Tim.3:1-7
More Scriptures: 1Thess.4:18, 1Tim.6:3, Eph.4:26
A leader must be …………cool and collected (1Tim.3:1-2) MSG
The literal interpretation of the above verse of Scripture is maturity. That is the ability to be calm in the face of provocation and respond with wisdom. That is exactly what you are expected to be to your wife and children. As the head of your family and the shepherd over God’s sheep in your custody, you must understand that your sheep has faults and weaknesses. There are times they will fail and disappoint you. And they may even fail you several times. But you have a godly responsibility not to dwell on their fault lines.
It is your godly right to be angry and unhappy with the actions or inactions of your sheep. The Scriptures say this much. Be angry but sin not (Eph.4:26). What is ungodly is when you allow your emotions to take the better part of you to the extent that you physically and emotionally abuse your wife, keep malice with them and be bitter towards them. The Word of God says that anyone who keeps malice is like a child. And so, the word of God admonishes you not to allow the sun to go down on your anger (Eph.4:26). To that extent, you must learn to forgive your sheep almost immediately. Getting into a shouting match with your sheep is a sign that you are child husband.
But how do I grow unto maturity that you begin to act like the godly man, husband and father to your sheep? The first step is to accept that your sheep have their strength and weaknesses. And as their leader, you have the responsibility to help them overcome those failures by motivating them to be better, praying for them and supporting them. The second step is for you to pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the power to bring your body under control. That means praying in the Holy Ghost to a point when you perceive the intent and purpose of the actions of your sheep and consequently mastering the control of your emotions. The third step is for you to intercede for your sheep that the life of Jesus Christ dwells in them richly. Rather than react to every of their wrong doings, you can take each one of them to your prayer altar and pray for them. Jesus Christ, the perfect example of the good and godly husband did this for Peter. Jesus speaking to Peter said, though satan has planned to sieve you like wheat, but I have prayed for you. You can demobilize those unhealthy habits and attitudes in your sheep by the weapon of intercession.
God wants you to reflect the nature and character of His Son,Jesus. Despite all the provocation from His disciples as well as others, He did not speak like a foolish person nor did He abuse or insult the people. He acted in such a manner that the Scripture says that the enemies(accusers) came but found nothing against Him. That’s God’s will for us.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, I ask You to forgive me for beating, abusing and holding malice and unforgiveness against my wife.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, I ask for Your mercy to prevail over the way and manner I have maltreated my sheep.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to be cool and calculated in the face of provocation.
FAITH CONFESSION
I receive the Spirit of the Lord and by it I remain cool and calculated in the face of provocation from my sheep because that is what makes me the good and godly husband in Jesus Name. Amen.
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