EFFECTIVE TEAMS (PART 2)

(THE HUSBAND/FATHER)

The man of the home is the head of the home. He did not choose the position; it was given to him by God. His position does not depend on where he works, what he earns etc.

 

'As a man goes, so goes the family, society and the world. The problem is, men don't have a clear idea of where they're going anymore. They are suffering from a lost sense of identity - and the consequences for their families, communities and nations are far-reaching' says Dr. Myles Munroe (Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men).

 

The man was the first to be created. He is the one that should provide the foundation for the family. The man is the one that FINDS a wife...He is the one that 'settles down' and starts a family...

 

The man is not more important than the woman or the children. His position came from God. He can perform his function best when he maintains fellowship with the Holy Spirit. All his family members have his last name as theirs. THEY ANSWER TO HIS NAME! I know the Bible tells us 'Every wise woman builds her home'. We'll talk more about this when discussing the woman's roles in a family.

 

We will continue with the man's role in subsequent posts. I'll follow the male's assignment as outlined by Dr. Myles Munroe in 'Understanding the Purpose and Power of Man' and include my additions as I find them. We'll move on to others and still return to the man. I'm thinking of having a man, woman and children sequence. We'll see...

 

The assignments are visionary, leader, teacher, cultivator, provider and protector.

 

Feedback is very welcome. Stay blessed.

EFFECTIVE TEAMS (PART 1)

OVERVIEW

I'll like to look at the family unit as a team and look at how each family member fits in.

Let's start with the purpose of the family unit.

Why do we have/need families? What did God have in mind when He instituted the family unit?

In the beginning, God started with the family unit. He made a man and a woman. The man and the woman were equipped with all they needed to conceive and have children. God had the family in mind at the beginning. The family unit is God's idea; it is not something that just evolved.

God created them - male and female. God's purpose involves both men and women. The woman was not an afterthought. Both genders are essential. Both man and woman were created in God's image.

God's charge to the man and woman reveals His purpose for the family.

"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." (Genesis 1:28).

We can deduce from this verse that

1. The union of a man and woman requires God's blessings. This blessing is usually pronounced during the wedding ceremony. Everyone involved in attacking a marriage - strange woman, meddlesome in-laws, unfriendly friends, false prophets etc - are contending with God's blessing. They are God's enemies and can check the Scriptures to see what God does with His enemies.

Please note that any preacher/prophet that encourages a man/woman to separate from/divorce their spouse is a false preacher/prophet. They are not working with God's purpose concerning families.

2. God spoke to THEM. Marriage requires BOTH parties to hear from God (and preferably TOGETHER). Many of us need to check who/what is speaking to us about our marriage - our minds? Magazines? The internet? Friends? Family members? False prophets?

3. Each family is to be fruitful. The most evident form of fruitfulness are biological children. However, that's not all fruitfulness is about. Your family should make a difference in the world. The Winans family is known for the annointed musicians. What will your family be known for? The family of Issachar was known as those with an understanding of the times who knew what Israel ought to do at each time. The children of Zebulun were known as experts in war (1 Chronicles 12:32-33). I ask again, 'What will your family be known for?'

4. Each family is expected to multiply. The family starts with the man and woman. Along the line, children are added. I'll like to take some time to speak to waiting moms and dads. I speak as one who knows a little about waiting; let God help you with the wait. Maintain your positive confessions. For the women, I know how emotionally distressing this wait can be, it feels like it'll never end. Trust me, it will. Don't let this wait put a strain on your marriage. The instruction to submit to your husband still applies in this situation. Don't give in to the temptation to deal with the situation YOURSELF. Let God lead you; He is the giver of children. For the men, I guess you feel some distress, but trust me, your wife feels it more. She needs your support and understanding. The instruction for husband to love their wives and not be bitter against her is very very needed here. She may exhibit some attitudes that may shock you; please be patient with her. Uphold her in prayers; you won't be the first man to do so. Isaac prayed for his wife, Rebekkah, who was barren and God heard him. Cover her with prayers, brother, and you will not lose your reward. Isaac's prayer produced twins; Hannah's prayer produced one child. Maybe there's something special about the husband's prayer concerning children? Lol.

I'll like to suggest adoption to waiting moms and dads. Please take it to the Lord in prayer and keep an open mind about it. You can be God's partners in blessing more lives through the avenue of adoption. God bless you.

5. Each family is to replenish the earth. How? The New International Version (NIV) says 'Fill the earth'. The earth needs your input. The earnest expectation of creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. Get busy filling the earth as a family and you'll have less time for squabbles...

6. Each family is to subdue the earth. You need to realise that there are terrestial (earthly) forces that are contending against the family unit. The enemy will do whatever he can to cause divisions in the family because he realises that the power generated by a united family will wreak havoc to his kingdom. He'll never give up until he finds something to hold on to. Each spouse has to be vigilant and sober, for our adversary is going about LIKE a roaring lion. Don't break the hedge by nagging/complaining/keeping malice/keeping unholy friendships with members of the opposite sex etc. Be protective of the marriage covenant; the enemy seeks the life of that marriage...

7. Each family is to have dominion over living things on the earth. I like to think of it this way. Every family ought to rule over (material) things. Too often, our quest for (more) material things eats into family time. Every day, families are separated for so many hours because of the quest for 'daily bread'. I am personally conflicted about the concept of women working for long hours outside the home. On the one hand, the additional income may improve the family's standard of living but on the other hand, the alternative forgone (opportunity cost) is family time, which in my opinion is quite high. However, to each his/her own...

 

I'll like to conclude that the family unit functions properly when each members knows their role and plays their role effectively. God's purpose for mankind is well expressed and enjoyed in marriage...

 

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and FOR THY PLEASURE they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11).

 

May the Lord continue to strengthen us as we partner with Him in building strong family units, in Jesus' Name. Amen.