Day 4: Nurture Family Time

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.—Eph. 6:4

It’s hard to find a leader who doesn’t like to work. From planning to projects, meetings to management, most leaders love working. This trait considered, we should be careful that we don’t sacrifice our family for the sake of a job. Regardless of how much money we bring home, fully providing for one’s family means more than just putting food on the table.

Paul reminds the Ephesian fathers, “do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). This verse is typically applied to parents who are too harsh to their children. However, choosing to be absent for meals, family outings, and special events for the sake of work can be equally exasperating for our families.

If we’re called to lead our families with the same passion and fervency that we lead our ministry or teams at work, we must balance our time correctly. We must consider Paul’s instruction every time we enter another project or meeting into the calendar. To truly bring our families into the training and instruction of the Lord, we have to be present. Being present means fully engaging in the family’s activities. The heart and mind must follow the body to the event or activity!

Leadership Challenge: Read Ephesians 6

Recall the past week. Have you fully engaged with your family? Have you spent dedicated time with your spouse and each of your children? Take notes of reflection and set weekly or even daily appointments in the calendar to nurture your family.