Fathers as Leaders

Most people find it tough being a leader. I’ve watched this and I understand it personally, the battle as a leader to do the right thing, while those around are watching. The biggest issue, as I see it, is that people will judge you harshly as a leader. They will have high expectations of the leader and even keep raising the bar, making it very difficult. It can feel impossible.

When the leader goes to lead, those following might not want the leadership. They want to go their own way and when they receive words of exhortation, they will challenge the leader and accuse him of various inconsistencies or a wrong style of leadership. The leader might feel isolated, alone, and unworthy. He thinks he’s doing right, but because of the opposition, he might have self-doubt. All of this I’m referring now to the dad, the father, his role. Maybe a man’s job is tough, but perhaps nothing is as difficult as leading a wife and children. No one knows him better than they. They see him in all of his private moments and nothing hurts like the criticism of those for which he is directly responsible and he loves. Men very often feel like giving up on all this. They might just stop leading, because they can’t or don’t want the scrutiny, what seems like a harsh spotlight on them. When they fail, people under them bring up the failures as justification for disrespecting the leadership.

With all you are reading here and I have written, I say to fathers, don’t be discouraged and be not afraid. Get strength from God and confidence from Jesus Christ and work on the example that you want people to follow. Realize that when you do fail, as a believing man, you have forgiveness. Start anew, find priorities that are scriptural, and start knocking those down. Get joy out of that, which will fuel further actions. Serve other people with conviction, understanding what real love is and the deep seated fulfillment it brings. Bear the burdens of others while you reach forth with holy ambition.