Pulpit reflections: Being a husband and dad rocks!
Being a husband and father is one of the greatest honors I have ever had. I can’t believe I get the blessing of loving someone God has created just for me in my wife, Shana. I feel that way about my children as well.
I am by no means a perfect husband or dad. I struggle and get selfish at times. But to be honest with you, the only thing that helps me be somewhat of a good husband and father is by putting my relationship with Jesus above my relationship with my wife or children.
That doesn’t mean I ignore them or get all weird and legalistic. To me, it means being intentional about growing in my faith as a Christian if I really want to be a good husband and dad. If I run everything through the grid of the Lord’s love, wisdom and grace, then it enables me to make the right decisions for my family and to love them with a love that comes from the Lord.
I hate it when I mess up and say things that hurt my family or act out in a selfish way. I know that is part of being human and having a sinful nature. Yet, I need to do my best with the power of Jesus to not allow my sin to master me or my emotions. I cannot blame bad behavior on my past or the way I was raised. I guess I could, but where is the power of Christ in that?
When I became a Christian I surrendered my life to God. “The old is gone and the new has come” as it talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:17. I am also reminded, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13. Matthew 10:37 says, “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.”
I will always love my family. I am so in awe of the fact I get the honor, joy and responsibility to love and lead my family that I am willing to do all I can in the strength, wisdom and power of Jesus to do so. I believe once we get this heavenly view of our earthly family, we will be able to put our selfishness aside and gladly love and serve those who God has entrusted us with—our family.
“Lord, teach us to love you in word and truth so we can be who you called us to be to our families. Take away our selfishness, bitterness and unforgiveness and replace it with love and compassion. Thank you that you make all things new. May we be in awe of our families knowing you created them just for us and us just for them.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of his glory and grace.” Amen.