‘I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. ‘ Philippians 1:9-10(NLT)
‘Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall.’ Hosea 14:9(NLT)
‘No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.’ John 2:25(NLT)
The fourth essential to becoming the total, spiritual man is an awareness of the spiritual needs of your family. A spiritual man is able to discern beyond what is surface or visible. When he listens to his children, he not only hears what they say, but also discerns how they feel and recognizes when there’s more to what they’re experiencing than what they’re expressing. The Bible says that Jesus confronted people and knew them inside and out (John 2:25). We don’t have Christ’s mind to that degree, but as we grow in Him, we increasingly develop His sensitivity to others’ needs.
A father who’s filled with the Spirit of God can readily discern the basic spiritual needs of his family and look for opportunities to teach them important spiritual principles. He’s also responsible for the spiritual progress of his family. When he sees his children drifting, he encourages them and helps them stay anchored to the solid rock of faith. The man of God also recognizes that his family members need a Christ-centered church where they’re taught Scripture, have fellowship with the people of God, and learn how to share their faith. The right church is your great helper in building the right kind of home.
Many years ago, I met a family that was attending a very liberal and rather spiritually-dead fellowship. They visited our church several Sundays, and I recall being genuinely concerned about their spiritual wellbeing as I talked to them. There were some strong warning signs that all was not right with them. Sadly, the father seemed either unaware of them or unwilling to acknowledge they existed, so I encouraged him to take his family to a Bible-centered church and get involved as soon as possible.
Two years passed before that father took my advice. I can still recall how he and his wife came forward during the invitation one Sunday morning. Tears streaming down their faces, they shared: “Pastor, we finally made the decision to join, but I’m afraid we waited too long.” During those two years, both of their teenagers rebelled, almost wrecking their lives completely.
That kind of procrastination occurs far too often. Being aware of and in tune with the spiritual needs of your family—and taking action when necessary—secures your place as the spiritual leader in your home and protects your family from all that seeks to tear it apart.
from Man Of God by Charles F. Stanley