Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 3) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Topic: Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 3)
Dear Reader,
I welcome you once again with great delight to this edition of Family Success, where the basic truths needed for success in your family life are delivered to you. This week, I will be teaching on ‘How to Manage Your Home’ and I know that by the end of this month, God will set a new fire in your home for a positive order in Jesus’ name.
The home, like any other organization needs to be managed. It has to be ruled and its affairs controlled and directed in order to find fulfillment and joy in it. A glorious home is not a product of wishes, fasting or prayer. It is only attained by operating in the wisdom of the most High God. It is not enough to build one, it has to be maintained and sustained also.
In home management, both the man and the woman have roles to play. Therefore, if any unpleasant situation arises both parties need to check if they are fulfilling their duties. Responsibility, they say, is the price for greatness. You must be ready to pay the price to get the prize. If the home is not handled and managed properly with guiding laws, it suffers calamities and tragedies. That is why I know that by the time we are through with this series, your struggle in your family life will be over in Jesus’ mighty name.
FOR THE MAN
Be A Leader in Your Home
The man is the principal figure in the family unit. God reckons with his position as head of the home and holds him responsible for any mishap that occurs in it. The man as the husband, is the God-ordained leader of the home and not an uncle, a friend or an in-law. He must, therefore, be ready to accept the responsibility of leadership. The Bible says, For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body (Ephesians 5:23).
He should accept his fair share of the blame for the things that go wrong. For instance, when anything goes wrong in a moving vehicle, the person to blame is the driver. Likewise, the husband is the driver of the home and should be answerable, when things are not right. We see it illustrated in God’s Word when, after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the Lord God called unto Adam first before Eve (Genesis 3:9). Adam, as the head of the home, was asked by God to explain the sudden failure in their home.
To lead means giving guidance by going first or in front. As a husband, your job is to ensure that rules that aim at the overall interest of the family are in place and are complied with by your own example. Some husbands don’t have any problem with setting the rules in the home, their problem is showing exemplary behaviour by being the first in obeying these rules. Please note that leadership by example is leadership indeed. I have never had a problem following my husband’s rules because he is always quick at showing the example of what he wants done in the home.
Husbands are under an obligation to lead their homes in the way of the Lord. Gods’ testimony about Abraham was, I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord (Genesis 18:19). Husband, what will be God’s testimony about you in your home? The Bible tells us that it was Adam that named Eve. Whatever you call your wife is what she will be to you. If you call her sweet, joy, peace or love that is what she will be to you. If you say she is stupid, wicked or idle, that is what she will be to you.
Just as in every human organization, there is need for one to assume the mantle of leadership in the home. Husband, don’t be a sellout to your wife.
Leadership is by no means a cheap task, it requires strength and courage. Wherever you go, that’s where your family goes. It is your responsibility to lead effectively and several things can help you do so:
- Be grounded in the Word of God. A sound knowledge of the Word will help you make sound and quality decisions.
- Pattern your leadership after the leadership of Jesus (1 Cor. 11:3)
- Lead tenderly, yet firmly and decisively.
- Let your decisions take into cognizance the welfare of your wife, children and other family members.
- Involve your wife in the decision-making process (be prepared to listen to her contributions and advice; but accept responsibility for the final decision).
- Be ready to accept blame for whatever goes wrong and be willing to give God all the glory for everything that goes right.
Accept responsibility for providing spiritual leadership for the family. Don’t leave your children and family to social institutions like the school, society or even the church to raise for you. Take time out to teach your family the Word of God, ensure that each member of the family is born-again and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Also, take practical steps to ensure that each one is on the right path, by helping them discover their purpose (Genesis 18:19).
Lack of management in the home is a serious problem, which quite a number of families are facing today! In case you have abandoned your legitimate duty of leadership over your home, you have to repent now and allow God to give you a new life altogether. Allow Jesus Christ, the builder of all things, to come into your life and home to help you discharge your duty as the head of the home. If you would want to give Him that chance, say this prayer with me: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
“Please click HERE to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo”
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.
