A Man’s Influence in the Home: A 3-Day Marriage PlanExemplo

The Renegade Male

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

Ephesians 6:4

Author Derek Prince has described the “renegade male” as one of society’s biggest problems. The word renegade actually means “one who has shirked his primary responsibilities.” It is an accurate description of those husbands and fathers who pour every resource into work or pleasure, leaving the child‐rearing task entirely to their wives. Both boys and girls desperately need their fathers, who have a specific role to play in their lives.

Research in the field of child development has confirmed that the absence of positive masculine influence plays a key role in adolescent rebellion, sex‐role identity, and cohesion within the family. Conversely, those who accept their God‐given responsibilities at home have a fleeting—and golden—opportunity to shape the little lives entrusted to their care.

Just between us . . .

• (husband) Do I ever resemble a renegade male? How?

• (husband) In what ways have I been a good father? (For couples without children: What kind of father would I be?)

• (wife) How have our own fathers been good or poor examples of fulfilling their responsibilities at home?

• (wife) How, as a wife, can I help you be a better father?

(husband) Dear God, thank You for the responsibility and opportunity to impact my children for good. I want to be faithful. Help me to celebrate— not resent—my fatherly duties. Through my sometimes inadequate efforts, accomplish great things in the lives of my kids. Amen.

Excerpted from Night Light for Couples, used with permission.

He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? (1 Tim. 3:4-5, ESV; pre-requisite qualifications for elders but characteristics that ought to characterize godly men generally)

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Tim. 5:8, ESV)

“What Does a Real Man Look Like?” (This article by Joe Waresak is available on our website.)