Many people are confused about the term “family leader.” As I've blogged about moms being leaders, I've had both men and women pipe up, “But wait, the man's supposed to be the leader in the home, right?” Yes, but women are leaders, too, in many ways you may not realize.
You are a Leader in Your Role As Spouse.
Yes, friends, I believe in the “S” word … submission. I believe God has called men to be the spiritual head of the home, and the one to care for and provide for his wife and family and lead the family unit. I believe wives come under their headship in willing submission … yet women are leaders too.
Any time you strive to guide the thoughts, behavior or direction of another person, you are a leader! Or as John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
Go ahead, read that again. Mom, you are a leader! Wife, you are a leader! Your thoughts and attitudes guide your closest relationships. Family leadership can be as intimate as offering words of guidance and encouragement to a discouraged loved one, or it can be as directive as issuing specific instructions on how to drive the family car.
You are a Leader in Your Community.
A man or a woman's position as a family leader also extends beyond the four walls of the home. Just think of your roles at your work, at your child's school, and in your neighborhood. Influence can also be exhibited in your roles as church volunteers and community leaders. These are important roles in your everyday life, especially since many couples today are often not well-connected with siblings and parents. Many families are spread out, living far from extended family members. This causes many couples to create their own “family units” with like-minded friends. These are the people they vacation with and spend free time with. Seeking God in roles is important because it's then couples realize they can be a positive influence in their church and community outside of their own home.
You are a Leader in Your Extended Family.
Sometimes this is the hardest place to be a leader. We can't choose our relatives, and sometimes the relationships with parents, siblings, aunts, uncle and cousins can be the hardest. Often people are put into “roles” within their family. Yet in your actions and reactions you are showing leadership—whether you like it or not.
In each of these areas … you make an impact!
As a leader you ...
- Build enduring relationships within the home that can have far-reaching impact beyond the home
- Set the basic direction of life values, character development and relational behavior
- Involve seasons of personal sacrifice to promote the spiritual and physical well-being of others
- Sustain love, loyalty, trust, mercy, forbearance, forgiveness, and sacrifice
- Mature and grow
- Foster values of love, compassion, trust, commitment, honesty, and grace within its members
