We have all heard stories of individuals “climbing the corporate ladder,” and passing, either peacefully or spitefully, over those who might “get in the way.” It has always stirred our imaginations to consider the lives of those who are perched on the top rung, calling all the shots. A corporation has its CEO, a ball team has a coach, a courtroom has a judge, a classroom has a teacher, a ship has a captain, the mob has a boss, the police have a chief, etc. Wherever there are people with a cause, there will always be someone who will rise to the top—someone to be in charge.
In the case of the family, it is you, Sir, …and it doesn’t matter that you don’t feel up to the task, or don’t want the job, or don’t have time, or can’t afford it, the responsibility is yours, and God holds you accountable. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (1Timothy 5:8)” God’s flow chart for the family looks like this, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 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 5:22–23)” But there’s more, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Ephesians 5:25)”
To fathers, the Almighty requires, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)” “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)”
If our nation is to be strong, it will require strong families, and strong families require strong, spiritual leadership. Like it or not, It’s Your Job, Sir! If you are not ready for the task, I suggest that you spend some time in the Field Manual—the Bible.