FROM THE WILDERNESS: Lead Them

Guest post by my husband, Wayne…

Usually, the purpose of my posts here are to give women a man’s perspective on various topics.

But this time I’d like to veer off course a bit and address men… directly.

… Ladies, I encourage you to share this with your husbands.

I think most parents would agree that one of the most important things we can do is protect the hearts and minds of our kids.

I feel very strongly about this topic, so much so that I wrote about some common sense steps to follow before taking your kids to the movies. If you’re interested, you can find that post here.

Why am I so adamant that we protect our children from inappropriate images?

Because I know firsthand the damage such exposure can cause.

The first time I saw a Playboy magazine, I was six years old.

Not sixteen.

Six.

I don’t have the time or space here to fully describe how profoundly screwed up I was as a result of being exposed to pornography at such a young age.

It affected how I looked at women for most of my life.

It kept me from being able to develop normal, healthy relationships with them.

It made me hide from God, just as Adam and Eve did after eating from the tree.

It nearly destroyed my marriage.

And my shame made me hide from being who God wanted me to be.

I felt not only unworthy to lead my family… but not even deserving of their love.

So I sat passively on the sidelines, watching as my wife tried to guide our family. She did a valiant job; she’s a strong, determined woman, one who loves our Lord and chases after him harder than anyone I know.

But ultimately, it wasn’t her job.

It was mine.

With her help, God’s love, and an amazing counselor… I was able to break the chains that kept me from stepping up.

What about you?

Do you find yourself shirking responsibility because it’s easier to sit back and let your wife handle things?

Stop it.

Do you feel like I did – that you’re so covered in shame that nothing can wash it away?

Stop it!

Do you believe you don’t have what it takes to lead your family in a God-honoring way because of the mistakes you’ve made in the past?

Stop it!!

God has called you to lead your family.

Not hang out.

Not watch from the sidelines.

LEAD.

The God of our fathers has given you a mission – one that is just as important as when He instructed Moses to lead his people out of Egypt.

Do you think you’ve done things in your past that make you unworthy?

My friends, Moses was guilty of murder, and God didn’t think that was a disqualifier. Do you really think that what you’ve done can top that?

Stop beating yourselves up for the sins of your past.

Stop it!!!

If you ask God, He forgives you.  So… why can’t you forgive yourself?

Rise up.

• Whatever sin you’re struggling with, stop it.
• Stop looking at things you’re not supposed to.
• Stop justifying even the little transgressions in your mind.
• Get the help you need – through friends, a small group, a counselor – whatever way works for you.

But while you’re working on that, don’t continue to leave your family adrift. Take the helm.

Lead them!

Titus 7:2 says… “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.”

I’ve heard it said that integrity is measured by what a man does when he thinks no one is watching.

So the next time you’re tempted by something, keep that in mind.

It doesn’t matter what society finds acceptable; if it’s something you wouldn’t want your wife or kids to see you doing, let that be your guide.

Our families will follow our example.

Our kids are going to do what we model.

It isn’t enough to just avoid doing evil.

We must do good.

We must be intentional in our walk with God.

If we are home from the office late every night, we aren’t leading. We can try to justify it by saying we’re trying to provide more for our families, but all the money in the world won’t make up for lost time with our wives and kids.

If we sit on the couch all weekend watching football and let our wives take the kids to church, we aren’t leading then, either.

Pursue Him with the same reckless abandon you see played out on the gridiron every weekend.

Chase after God the way you chase that promotion at work.

Seek him in every area of your life.

Pray with your family.

Read the Bible.

Stop running FROM the sins of your past.

Instead, run TO Him.

And your family will follow.

†††

© 2012 careyscotttalks.com, Wayne Scott

Looking for ideas on raising Godly kids in today’s world?  You can find them HERE.

Let’s Connect!  Subscribe to my newsletter, Follow me on Twitter, Book Me to speak at your event, Like my Facebook Ministry Page, Visit me at Moms Together.