Rise Up Men of God

Someone said, "As goes the home, so goes the church." Never has this been more true than today. The enemy is launching an all-out assault against the home, which is spilling over into local churches. Where are the men of God, the husbands and fathers, who will take on hell itself to protect their family and their church?

The enemy has targeted broken men, many who have abdicated their spiritual role. Men are called to be leaders and women influencers. There's never a time for men to coast in their home. Wives need protection and support. Children need protection, instruction and direction. They need healthy boundaries. My heart goes out to the high percentage of single moms in this country, in our cities and towns, who are having to pull double duty. This was never God's intention. Rise up men of God! Repent of your broken areas and allow God to place within you Ezekiel's forehead of flint.

You can be strong, yet meek. Meekness is not weakness. It's steel wrapped in velvet! Determine to fight for your family, God's way. An entire generation is depending on you to become the priest in your home. You are God's covering for your wife and children. All under your roof will suffer brokenness if you don't rise up and take back your rightful authority.

Authority is God's idea. Men, He has placed within you the responsibility to lead your family in this evil generation. Wives, and sons and daughters everywhere are suffering due to absentee husbands and fathers, both physically and many times emotionally and mentally. Father wounds are increasing. Dads are conceding their spiritual authority in the home. Too many are wimping out spiritually, causing their wives to live on overload. Sir, your wife, whether she says it or not, is looking for your leadership and willingness to run your home in a godly manner. Accept Jesus as your personal Savior, repent of your misgivings and neglect, and watch as God brings healing to your family.

What does it mean to be the priest of your home? Here are a few major concerns being overlooked and avoided in homes today. Give these responsibilities your serious consideration.

1. Spend time with your children. Insist that they learn how to dialogue and communicate clearly.
2. Lead in their spiritual growth and development through daily prayers and Bible instruction. You don't have to become rigid but emphasize the Bible's role in daily life and conduct.
3. Make sure each child has a personal relationship with Jesus.
4. Take them to church every Sunday. Sit together.
5. Discipline them as necessary and age appropriately.
6. Establish healthy boundaries, making sure the children understand the consequences of operating outside those boundaries.
7. Love your wife, making her the "queen of your castle." Kiss and touch one another appropriately in front of the children.
8. Monitor your kids' friendships, making sure that evil influences have no access into their lives.
9. Assign chores and responsibilities and follow through. Reward only when carried out.
10. Allow no rebellion or disrespect toward their mother, you, or their siblings.
11. Teach and model a strong work ethic.
12. Pray with them regarding the many needs that life brings. Make prayer a regular feature in your home.
13. Make sure no ungodly attitudes or conduct is tolerated in your home: rolling of eyes, yelling, talking back, emotional outbursts, etc.
14. At the age appropriate time, teach them about God's gift of sex; and encourage them to be virgins on their wedding night. Warn them against the onslaught of perversion regarding same-sex attitudes and practices. Help them understand gender appropriate behaviors. Instruct them to never live with someone to whom they're not married.
15. Encourage them to save money. You may want to open up their first savings account. Teach them how to budget. Teach them about tithing.
16. Guide and support their God-given bent, helping them to develop their innate gifts, interests and talents.
17. With your wife's help, teach them how to maintain your home and yard. Boys can even wash dishes!
18. Spank as a last resort. In the meantime, take away all privileges until they demonstrate the right conduct. This concerns all social media, cell phones, laptops, and other devices. Allow no devices at the family dinner table.
19. Tell them often that you love them. More importantly, show them.
20. Demonstrate the proper use of affection.
21. Put porn blockers on all in-home devices. Monitor television watching. Do not allow alcohol or drugs in the home. Porn, alcohol, and drugs are destroying homes because men, dads, are allowing them access.

The above concerns will not totally eliminate the possibility of your family members suffering broken areas; however, the more we align with God's Word and His principles for everyday life, the fewer opportunities the enemy has to access our homes. Please, men of God. Take seriously your role and responsibilities in your home.