7 Ways To Become A Successful Leader In Your Home
Practical Steps to Reflect Christ's Leadership in Your Family Life
In our journey of biblical masculinity, the most crucial role we can embrace is that of a leader in our homes. This is significant because we, as Christian men, are to reflect Christ’s leadership.
Here you will find seven practical ways to become a successful leader in your home. These tips, inspired by biblical teachings, aim to give you a clear idea of what it means to lead your family.
1. Focus on Your Relationship with God
"But seek all of you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
(Matthew 6:33)
Your relationship with God should be your top priority. Personal devotion, prayer, and Bible study are essential. Spending time every day in the Word of God gives us the clarity we need to handle the troubles life brings us.
By focusing on our Lord Jesus Christ, we can rise above the noise of daily life. Above the stresses of family growth. Above the sadness of family deaths. To keep our heads above the waves, or better yet, to walk upon them with Christ.
Many people who call themselves stoics attempt to live above the waves. To stay above the noise, keeping their heads clear and rational. The only way to achieve peace through the storms is complete reliance on Christ.
This complete reliance on Christ can only be built by meditating on Him and His word every day.
2. Lead with Love and Sacrifice
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it."
(Ephesians 5:25)
In Ephesians 5:25, husbands receive the command to love their wives as Christ loves the Church. Many people stop there and then talk about "sacrificial love." But this is not the full text on the subject, and what gets left out are verses 26 and 27, which state:
"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
(Ephesians 5:26-27)
If we love our wives, we will put in the effort to cleanse them with the Word of God. This way, they can be glorious, without spot, wrinkle, or blemish in their souls. It is the duty of the husband to assist his wife on her journey to be holy and without spiritual blemish.
The same goes for our children, too. We are to put in the effort to teach them the ways of God. To teach them what God's Word says we are to do and be. Because if we love them, we want to see their souls saved through Christ Jesus. The best way to help is to teach them from the day they are born.
3. Be a Servant Leader
Mark 10:42-45 is the passage we often hear relating to servant leadership. It's true that we must be servant leaders, in the correct sense of the term. But, the term is misapplied to mean serving your wife and children, fulfilling their every demand, and making them your master.
To be a servant, there must be a master. As Christians, our master is the Lord Jesus Christ alone. This changes the idea of servant leadership. From being someone that fulfills the tasks of everyone around us to fulfilling the tasks our Lord Jesus.
Being a servant leader is about leading our families by serving Christ and following His commands. Only when we align our own lives with Christ and how He defines our roles do we become servant leaders.
4. Nurture and Disciple Your Family
"And these words, which I command you this day, shall be in your heart: And you shall teach them diligently unto your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up."
(Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 encourages us to impress God’s commandments on our children. Discipling your family involves regular family devotions. This includes discussing the Bible, praying together, and applying its teachings in your lives. These moments become cherished times that strengthen family bonds and spiritual growth.
One way to do this is to set a time for daily family worship. This does not have to be anything large and grandiose. It can be as simple as singing a hymn, praying, and reading a section of scripture. As the family grows in Christ, questions will arise, and answers will follow.
5. Exhibit Integrity and Honesty
Proverbs 10:9 says, "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely."
Integrity and honesty are non-negotiable in leadership. Being honest in small matters builds trust and sets a standard for your family.
Our children will always follow our example more than they will follow our words. By living out the commands of Christ and the role He set before us, we are teaching our children to live the same way.
6. Communicate Effectively and Compassionately
James 1:19 tells us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
Effective and compassionate communication is key. Before giving any advice, it's best to let the person express their emotions and thoughts.
Once we have the full context of the conversation, then we can spend time sharing what may be helpful. Other times, all we can do is listen and pray, but sometimes that's all the other person needs.
7. Foster a Christ-Centered Home
Joshua 24:15 says, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Creating a Christ-centered home environment goes beyond attending church on Sundays. It involves making Christ the center of daily life. We end each day with a short prayer, thanking God for His blessings and asking for His guidance.
This practice has helped us keep Christ at the forefront of our family life. It shows the children that being a Christian is more than a Sunday morning event and is part of every area of our lives.
Becoming a leader in your home is a journey, not a destination. It requires continuous effort, reflection, and prayer. By being a leader who is a servant to the King we foster a Christ-centered home. It's our duty to reflect Christ’s love and grace in all we do.