A Man's Godly Character In The Home Part 1

Written by William David Phifer for 3V Magazine

" And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 22:30-31)

The Lord is searching for righteous, godly men. The city of Sodom would have been spared for ten righteous men (Genesis 18:32), but God could not find even one righteous man in Sodom. Does a Godly man make a difference to a nation or to a city? Absolutely! Just like the Lord, your family also needs a righteous godly men.

And a godly man makes a difference to his family too. Are you a man with Godly Character, are you a Holy, Courageous Man on behalf of your home? What is required of a Christian man in the home?

My brothers you are called to be the head and leader of your family. Keeping your family together allows you to function as the leader of your family. You must worship, study God's word and fellowship together. You must keep the focus on the mission; to pass on a living relationship with the Lord God. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

As a godly Prince you must be a teacher to your children, teach them about God, obedience, in-home devotions. Keep reminding them of Wholehearted Commitment - that if they continue to obey his laws and commands, they will enjoy a long life. Your family will need to see you excited learning about God.

You must provide for your family with encouragement and comfort, you must bless your family by placing a high value on them. Envisioning a future for your children and their commitment to fulfilling God's call on their life.

You must pray that your family will not walk in darkness. Deposit the word of God in their lives. Teach them to mediate on the word. By doing this they will build up their faith of who God said they are through the scripture. Break those inter-negative images and yokes in their lives, and fill them with the image of God's faith filled words "AND BE FREE".

Brothers as the Royal Prince of your household you are to love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. Minister to their needs. Remember you have a responsibility for your home, including the state of a Spirit- Guided Marriage. (Ephesians 5:25-33)

You must ask your wife about her day, each day. Be sympathetic and encouraging. Provide her with stress relief. Remember, my brother she is creating a home and caring for your children. Protect your family from harms way. You are to cover them from all criticism and evil influences. As men with Godly character, take the lead with your children, protect them of all danger of youthful desires, courtship, dating and physical spiritual calamity. Pray daily for their protection.

Brothers, be the right kind of man; for example, you should not be lazy, spiritually or naturally, but diligent so that your family does not suffer. In other words, ALWAYS KEEP A JOB, I REPEAT ALWAYS KEEP A JOB: I MEAN ALWAYS. Provide an ample budget for your wife. Don't pinch pennies with her while you buy something that pleases you. You must never show selflessness in your marriage.

My wife, Reverend Cheryl A. Phifer, has her own women ministry " I am My Sister's Keeper", so from the beginning I promised myself that I would support her as a self- less Godly husband. I would never focus attention only on myself. Like Jesus, he never focused attention onto himself, but rather always on the father for guidance and then his bride (the church). As a husband I follow that example by receiving my guidance from the LORD and then my bride.

You have to put your pride and ego aside, and summit first to God and then to your wife. Instead of lifting yourself up as the last word of the household, begin to honor your wife and exalt her as a beautiful and wonderful God - given helper. Remember to humble yourself.

In my personnel quest to become a Godly husband, God taught me that in order to love my wife the way Jesus loved the church, I had to first come to him and be filled with his love. Then I could go to her and let His love flow through me. Living by his word, we are loving each other more today than the day we married 18 years ago. ! HALLELUIAH ! HALLELUIAH ! HALLELUIAH !

3V Magazine is a Christian men's publication providing thought-provoking content concerning Christ, life, health, wealth and style.

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