The Countdown: 7-Day Devotional for the Soon-to-Be HusbandSample

LEAD

Are you ready? If I had $1 for every time I heard this during the weeks leading up to my wedding, I’d be rich. People called, texted and even asked me face-to-face if I was ready to marry my fiancé.

I too want to ask you this question but with a different spin. Sir, “Are you ready” to be the leader God is calling you to be? This question is super important to answer because you are about to lead a wife and (potentially) future children. If you answered yes, then I want to follow up with the question: “What type of leadership style are you going to adopt?”

Jesus is our ultimate role model on what a leader should look like. In fact, He shares what type of leadership style the disciples should strive to have in Matthew 20 which reads:

“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28 NIV)

My friend, God has called us men, especially husbands and husbands-to-be, to be servant leaders! Typically, men go into marriage trying to tell their wives and children what to do. They take the domineering or authoritative approach. But, that’s not going to be you, right? I am telling you from my own personal experiences that this approach is unwise and unfruitful. We should never try to control our spouses. Remember that “a leader has a heart to serve and the servant has the will to lead.” (- Anonymous)

Having a servant leadership mindset will help your future marriage flourish. This leadership style seeks to understand rather than to be understood. With this style you are looking at your wife’s growth, both spiritually and emotionally, as well as always being aware of her safety and well-being. You are taking the lead as far as making sure you have a vision and a mission for your marriage. These should be top priorities for a servant leader.

So, as you are approaching this new leadership role as a husband, think about how Jesus wants you to position your heart to serve your significant other now and in marriage. Take some quiet time and meditate. Find a notebook and jot some ideas that the Holy Spirit drops in your spirit on how you can serve your future wife in marriage.

Prayer

Father, Thank You! Thank You for the next couple of days and/or weeks as I prepare to be the husband You have called me to be. Thank You for giving us Jesus as a great example. Help me become more like Jesus as a servant leader in my marriage as I serve my future wife. I love You. Amen.