Men, Lead The Way

Men, Lead The WayPastor Bryan Crute I am convinced that men must understand their role within a Godly home. In the book of Genesis it says, "Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it" - Genesis 2:15 (NASB). God's original intent for man was to give him a role as a CULTIVATOR and CARETAKER. A cultivator is one who fosters growth and who improves things with care--in other words--as men we are to foster growth in our homes and provide care for our spouses, children and families. That's the bigger picture. Three specific tasks that will successfully contribute in your role as a daily cultivator and caretaker...1. Men must GUARD the goods in their homes by providing consistent prayer, along with physical and emotional protection. The Bible says in Ezekiel 22:30, "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I have found none." What an indictment! The Lord is looking for men who will build their families and stand before Him in the gap for their spouses and children. My question for you is, "Does God find you doing that daily?" As cultivators and caretakers, we should guard our homes by providing (1) consistent prayer (not just praying over dinner but leading the charge in covering our families with prayer) and (2) physical and emotional protection.We should protect both physically (which most men have no problem doing) but also emotionally. Be a man who doesn't abuse his wife and children but knows how to cover and care for them in an emotionally healthy way. 2. Men must GUIDE the growth of their families by promoting Godly values. We lead by example NOT by word only! God told Moses in the book of Deuteronomy, "But as for you, stand here by Me, that I may speak to you all the commandments and the statutes and the judgments which you shall teach them, that they may observe them in the land which I gave them to possess." Deuteronomy 5:31 (NASB).Moses stayed close to God and in return was able to be promoted and disseminated Godly values to the 'family' of Israel. So, as cultivators and caretakers, we must guide the growth of our families by promoting values that we get directly from our intimate relationship with our Father.3. Men must GOVERN their gold by prospering with integrity. "Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful" I Corinthians 4:2 (KJV) says. It's not ok to prosper the world's way as men of God. As cultivators and caretakers of our families, it is a man's responsibility to wisely govern all that God has entrusted to him.As you grow in prosperity (richer relationships with your spouse and children; more money in the bank; more responsibility on your job), it's imperative that you grow in integrity. Integrity is simply doing things the way that God would. In governing the gold, remember what Proverbs says, "Honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of all your income, and He will fill your barns... to overflow" Proverbs 3:9-10 (LB). And don't forget that, "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it" Proverbs 10:22 (KJV) says. If we operate by these three principles as committed cultivators and caretakers, then we'll see God bless us as men and we will have no problem leading the way as heads of our homes.