LEADING MEN
When God created Adam, He crafted a man free to lead. “Let us create man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on earth” (Genesis 1:26, NASB95).
The term rule is used twice in the description, adding emphasis that man was created with a purpose: to lead. The man was tasked with teaching children about God, learning a trade, and living a life that honors and glorifies our Creator.
Great leaders often were the best followers. Unfortunately, we live in a culture where men are not stepping up to lead, especially at home. Culturally, men are taught to isolate themselves from their families with distractions such as the “man cave” and other hobbies that take time away from family time. Men spend less time with their wives and children, resulting in a physically present man but emotionally absent husband and father.
When Men Don’t Lead
God has given men the Blueprint to lead through Jesus’ example and shown us the dangers of men not leading. Scripture has also shown us that men can be great leaders but poor fathers and husbands. In the book of 1 Samuel, we see the result of a leader who failed to lead at home.
Eli was a priest to the Nation of Israel, but his two sons were despised by the people and scorned by God. “Now the sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the Lord and the custom of the priests with the people” (1 Samuel 2:12, NASB95).
What was the root cause? Eli did not put God first. “Why do you kick at My sacrifice and at My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling, and honor your sons above Me” (1 Samuel 2:29, NASB95). Eli failed to put God first and, in doing so, failed to raise sons who loved God above all else. This is a stark reminder of the consequences of not leading at home.
Answering the Call
God wants men to lead. Not all men will be leaders at work or in ministry, but all men must lead at home. To raise children who love and honor God, Men need to lead by example by putting God above all else and demonstrating what loving and honoring God looks like. We can do this by allowing our children to see us pray for them, pray with our wives, and pray for others.Why is this important?
Simple, you can’t lead if no one is there to follow. If you have a strong prayer life, allow your family to see you pray. There is a saying that leadership is not for the meek or faint-hearted. God created men to lead and gave us the capacity to be leaders.
Why are so many men failing to lead?
Most of the time, it is because men have failed to teach boys to lead. It is up to us to break the cycle for the next generation.
So, How can we teach young boys to lead as men?
First, we learn to follow Christ. J. Oswald Sanders, in his book Spiritual Leadership, gives excellent examples of traits the spiritual man should have. It is crucial for men to understand and embrace their role as leaders at home, as it is a fundamental part of their God-given purpose.
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Leadership is not about a position or role but about influencing others to follow. This is exemplified when Jesus called the twelve. “Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.” (Mark 1:17-18, NKJV)
Leaders should prioritize growth and development. When they lead, men inevitably need to grow and develop their leadership skills. When leaders don’t grow, they will fail to lead.
Leaders can develop themselves by developing a daily walk with God, which includes becoming a man of prayer, a man of the Word, meditation, memorization of scriptures, and finally following James 1:22 which says,
“Do not merely listen [read] to the Word, and so deceive yourselves, do what it says.”
They can focus on developing themselves by taking advantage of resources available as noted in the equipping section above.
Here are some helpful books:
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The most effective leaders have mentors and other men in their life that will encourage and hold them accountable.Blueprint for Men offers men an opportunity to enjoy brotherhood and fellowship with other like-minded men creating the opportunity to receive encouragement and be accountable. Click the “join a group” link below to learn more about joining one of these groups.
The Most Effective Leaders Have Mentors.
Mentorship is a biblical model for leadership development. Moses, Joshua, Paul, Timothy, Titus, and others demonstrate the effectiveness of mentors and mentorship. Mentors can help leaders grow through their example and direction. The most excellent mentor is Jesus. He exemplified what leadership is and what failed leadership looks like. Here are some thoughts to consider:
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When choosing a mentor, look for someone who can relate to your experiences.
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You can have more than one mentor. Consider having a spiritual mentor and a professional mentor.
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Once you have grown and developed, consider becoming a mentor to someone else.
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JOIN A GROUP
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QUOTABLE…..
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you” Hebrews 13:17, NASB95
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