I Timothy 3: 4 “He must manage his own household well, with all dignity.” And 12: “Be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own household well.”  Our Scriptures today are reminders of what God expects from his leaders in regard to their priorities.  After a leader’s personal relationship with Christ, his first leadership responsibility is to his family.  If a man fails here, he has failed his calling to God and will be held accountable.  Our Scriptures are very clear in their context that a man is not qualified to lead at work, church or community until they lead their own households well.  From my experiences in leading people over many years, I have observed that a man must have his own home in order to effectively lead in other areas.  The environment of his work setting usually reflects the environment of his home and the priority he places on his family.

I see many men today who neglect their wives and children for the sake of work and personal, selfish desires of being with friends and others in activities that take them away from those whom God has given them.  The impact of a joyful marriage, parenting partnership and time spent together cannot be underestimated in the lives of a household.  These are things that cannot be bought back once the opportunities have passed and life has moved forward.  Time is of the essence and we pass down the stream of life with our families only one time.  So, love, lead and cherish your wife and children every day and place them in the God’s order of priority in your life.  Remember:  If you are not there for your wife and children, someone else will be there for them; and it may be someone you may not like.