The Man at Home Must……………

Traditionally, men have been regarded as the masters of their own homes, even when their interests are mainly outside of the home. In recent years, women have adopted an emancipated lifestyle which enables them to do everything that men can do. At the same time, they continue their traditional role as home-makers, using whatever resources are available. Their husbands are reduced to a state of uncertainty, not knowing what is expected of them, and the children are left to search for alternative father-figures among their peers. Man has to take up his rightful position at home failure to which the next generation will miss the father-figure.

The man in the home is the provider of the family. The man cannot be a father if he is not first a provider. The family life depends on a father that knows the needs of his children and wife and does his best to provide them. These needs must be him providing the basic important needs to living. The father should also feed his children's spiritual needs through providing knowledge of values and beliefs. A father should also encourage his children to learn and grow and take on skills that will cause them to be good Christian family leaders and providers in their own families as adults. Discipline should result from love and not from power. One should not discipline their children just to show that they are stronger and more powerful.

Hence, there are specific characteristics that must be portrayed by the man in the home. He is both the leader and source of inspiration among his household. If he plays his part well, he will be greatly respected and adorned.

There may be no better summary of the characteristics of man in the home than this, from the final instructions Paul gives at the end of 1 Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

‘Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love’. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

‘Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love’. (NKJV)

THE MAN AT HOME MUST……..

· Men at home must be watchful – they observe, they stand guard against that which would destroy the home, they persevere. They study the world and perceive trends. Men at home anticipate dangers and opportunities.

· Men at home must stand firm in the faith – they stand rather than being unstable; they stand rather than run. Men at home must stand on truth with a worldview giving them both purpose and courage.

· Men at home must act in boldness and gentleness, influencing and shaping those at home. They don’t put themselves first but put the rest of the family first. They are servants and not masters. They lead from the front: “First in the attack and last in the retreat.”

· Men at home are strong – others can count on them. They have enough strength to share and embolden others. The men at home must protect and provide for household by using their strengths and abilities.

· Men at home must do everything in love – they’re tough on issues and tender with family members. The best leadership they can provide is love.

Finally

What can you say as a man? There is a great challenge. We have to take up responsibilities and especially mentor our younger men to take up their rightful roles when they marry. The onus is on us to do something.