Man Of Godنموونە

The Available Leader

The sixth characteristic of the total, spiritual man is that he’s available to share himself with others. Because he’s unselfish, he has a desire to give of himself without expecting anything in return. The joy of giving motivates him to pour himself into his family.

When my children were small, I made an effort to have a brief chat and prayer with them before they went to sleep each night. When they became teenagers, those nightly chats often became much longer and more involved. Because of my schedule, I sometimes missed a session, but not if I could help it. There was something very special about being there to listen to and pray with them shortly before they went to sleep. Because these talks were relaxed and confidential, my children often communicated things that other parents might find surprising. However, they shared because my being there consistently every night communicated to them: I care. I’m interested in you. I love you.

Sharing ourselves with our families is time wisely invested, sure to bring rich rewards. This is because we reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow (Gal. 6:7). The principle of sowing and reaping applies to families just as much as it does to farming.

Not only should a father share himself with his family, but he should also learn to share his faith with others. A father sharing with his family how the Lord used him to lead someone to Christ does more to motivate them to share their Christian testimonies than all the study courses combined.

By demonstration and by instruction we should also teach our children as early as possible to give offerings in the church—not just to meet a church budget, but as an act of love for God in obedience to His Word. Money is an essential factor in everyone’s life; therefore, the way to handle money is an important lesson for children. Father, the responsibility and opportunity belong to you. When you tithe, you’re investing wisely in the financial and spiritual welfare of your family. And when you experience times of financial difficulty, you can show your children that the strength to persevere and to work through challenging times comes from honoring God in the use of your time and money. These are lessons they will never forget.

Learning to give to God in many different ways can become an exciting family affair. When you recognize a need, pray about what the Father would have you give, and then respond in obedience together, it can be a very joyful and spiritually powerful experience. These lessons, well taught, will provide a lifetime of spiritual and financial guidance for your children.