HOW IS YOUR FAMILY? (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) – 5
READ 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9
We are talking about what God looks for in a leader. First, a godly leader must want to be a godly leader. Second, a godly leader must have godly inner qualities. Third, a godly leader has godly interpersonal relationships. Fourth, he must have a godly reputation. Fifth, he must have a godly spiritual life. In this blog we will look at another character trait.
- A GODLY LEADER HAS A GODLY FAMILY LIFE
Paul goes into more detail when he talks about a leader’s family life than he does for any of the other qualities he mentions. A godly family sets an important example for others. Having a godly family also shows the leader will be able to lead those in his ministry to holiness as well. In addition, the family is a leader’s most important priority, much more so than their ministry. For all these reasons, being a godly father and husband is most important.
Paul says a godly leader must be a husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:2). Literally in the original language this means “a one woman man” and refers to his faithfulness and loyalty to the woman who is his wife. It doesn’t mean a man can’t remarry after divorce or if his wife dies. A leader who has been divorced comes under the area of how it affects his reputation to those around him. “Husband of one wife” means a man must be committed to his wife and marriage and show it by all he says and does. He must treat all other women with respect as he would a sister. A leader doesn’t have to have a perfect marriage, but he must be doing all he can to meet his wife’s needs and see to it that they grow closer and stronger as a couple.
A godly leader must be a good husband, and also a good father. He must manage his own household well (1 Timothy 3:4-5). “Manage” means “to stand before and lead.” That means he must plan for the future, set godly priorities, provide what is needed and handle family problems. He must do this in an orderly fashion. Home is the best training ground for church leadership because a family is like a miniature church with the same needs and problems. If a man can’t lead his family in a godly way, he won’t be able to do it on a larger scale with a church, either. A godly pastor serves his wife and children as his most important sheep, and then he serves the rest of the people in the church after them.
This means that he will have children who obey him (Titus 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:4). They are to “obey with proper respect” (1 Timothy 3:4). They must “behave and not be open to a charge of being wild and disobedient” (Titus 1:6). This means they respect and obey God and their parents. There are times when younger children, and even teens, may rebel and refuse to obey, but a godly father will discipline them in love and gentleness so they learn to obey. If a man can’t deal with his children when they go astray, how can he deal with those in the church who rebel and cause problems for others? His children don’t have to be perfect, but as they reach adulthood they should display respect and honor for their parents. This shows they have been raised with love and discipline. (August 15, 2022 Doylestown, PA)
Would your wife say you are a faithful, loyal husband who puts her needs before your own and before the needs of others in your ministry? Would she say that you always treat her with love and respect? Would she say you lead your family in a godly way? Or would she say you treat others better than you treat her and your children? Do your children know you love them? Do they respect and trust you, even when they don’t agree with you?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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