HUSBAND

 “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:2, 6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Humble

Uncompromising 

Seeker

Boldly

Achieving 

Nexus

Dedication 

    Within the past few weeks, several situations have come up at work. Each issue is multifaceted and requires teamwork to get the most positive outcome. One of these puzzles that needed a solution came up so I approached my supervisor asking how it was going to be addressed. If you know anything about teachers, you know we are not shy in sharing our opinions, or asking difficult questions.

    After a few rounds of questions most of which started with the words, “How will…” or “What if…” my very wise and understanding supervisor responded with, “Gees, Garlit, I don’t know. Just stay in your lane.” That got me thinking with all the changes that have taken place in my life and ministry over the past two years and more specifically the past three months, “Where exactly is my lane?”

“But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:17, 19-20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The lanes of influence we travel are to say the least complex. We are sons, husbands, fathers, and whatever function we fill in our careers. Today I want to talk about being a husband. What does Scripture say about this important role?

“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Giving honor to our wives calls upon each of us to be humble before God. Humility begins our journey to become the spiritual leaders in our homes.

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18:1-2, 26-27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    To be the husband, priest of our homes, and trusted servants of God being humble is key. We move from there to become uncompromising with evil. These may seem to be stark contrasts to each other but humility does not mean being a doormat and we can be humble without compromising.

“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    We become seekers of truth, committing ourselves to finding and following God’s will. He holds our future, blesses our families and forgives our past. Finding the treasure of His kingdom reveals the lane we travel into eternity.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” ‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Once we have identified and confirmed the path, we travel it with boldness and confidence.  We have the ability to approach God humbly, uncompromisingly seeking His goals for us achieving glory for His kingdom. Success is a sure thing when our lives are committed to being the husbands Scripture is orchestrating. The music of our relationships display the glory of God’s design.

“Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. He is the Lord our God. His justice is seen throughout the land. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant:” ‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16:11, 14, 17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Again, being humble, uncompromising, seekers of truth, boldly achieving nexus in our dedication is the essence of being a godly husband. Success comes from staying in our own lane. For me that includes being a pastor/teacher. Through those activities I achieve the nexus (living connection) impowering, informing and shaping my sphere of influence. This gives me and can give you dedication to complete our journey.

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:13, 15-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬