BE THE CHANGE

Main Scriptures: John 17:16-20

More Scriptures: Heb.12:2, Matt.5:16, Ps.133:2

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself that they also might be sanctified through thy truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word (Jn.17:16-20).

The above Scripture gives you and I a classic example of what our roles are as intercessors in our sheepfold. That above all that we do or say, we are to stand in the gap for our sheep in prayers for them. The encounter in John chapter 17 was a conversation between Jesus Christ, the perfect example of the good and godly husband and His Father in heaven. Jesus was giving His score card to His heavenly father about how He led the flock that were committed into His hand and interceded for them. He talked about how He prayed for the sanctification of the souls of his flock. However, He said that the change He saw in His disciples began with Him first. And for their sakes, I SANCTIFY MYSELF that THEY also might be SANCTIFIED.

As the godly shepherd, there are so many things you really desire to see happen in the lives of your wife and children. You want them to be truthful, kind, forgiving, hospitable, protective, givers, prayerful, diligent, discipline, serve their society and much more. But much as these desires are good and honorable, you have to make it happen in your life first and thereafter pray it into their lives. You have to practice first everything you ever would want to see in them. In Acts 3, Apostle Peter said to the man at the gate called Beautiful, what I have I give to you. So, the question you should ask yourself is this, what do I have to give to my wife and children? What attitude do I possess that my sheep may emulate? You must understand that your life is designed by God to speak much louder than your words. Your conduct, behavior and action are the sum total of your being as a husband, father, and spiritual head of your family. God has ordained you to live a life of honesty and faithfulness and not hypocrisy. You cannot say one thing and act in another way. However, for you to be the change you want to see in your sheep, you must accept that you need help from God (Heb.12:2). God wants you to be like Jesus, so He alone through the help of the Holy Spirit, can make those godly changes happen in your life. The Bible tells us that without Him, you cannot do anything. You are a change agent in the lives of your flock, make it count.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

• Father, in the Name of Jesus, I receive power to be the change I want to see in my family.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, I walk in the fullness of my calling as the good and godly shepherd.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, I make the change I want to see in my flock happen first in my life.

FAITH CONFESSION

I vow to be the change I want to see in my wife and children because it is the honourable step to take to become the good and godly husbandman in Jesus Name. Amen.

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