September 30: Leading Many, Losing My Own

-

Leading Many, Losing My Own

Text: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15

Joshua stood before Israel and declared his commitment, not only as a leader of the nation but as a priest of his home. His testimony was not “I will serve the Lord,” but “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 

By Sharon Campbell Danvers |
Founder Daughters Arise Ministries

Joshua understood that leadership begins at home.

Many spiritual leaders today find themselves building God’s kingdom in the public eye while neglecting the vineyard in their own homes. Sermons are preached, ministries are organized, souls are won, but spouses grow distant, children feel unseen, and homes remain spiritually dry. It is possible to be admired as a shepherd in the church but absent as a shepherd in the family.

When this happens, families are not watered. The soil of marriage hardens. Children grow without consistent spiritual nurture. The very place God entrusted to us first becomes the place most neglected.

Paul reminded Timothy of this sobering truth: “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 Timothy 3:4–5). God’s order is clear. Our first congregation is our family.

Returning to the Real Calling

So how do leaders return to God’s expectation?

  1. Reorder Priorities – Ministry should not replace family. It should flow from it. Carve out time to be present with spouse and children in a physical, emotional, and spiritual way.

  2. Water Your Home First – Just as you prepare to feed your congregation, prepare to lead family devotions, pray together, and speak life at home. A watered home produces healthy fruit.

  3. Lead by Example – Joshua’s statement shows ownership: “As for me and my house.” Leadership at home is not about position but example. Live out faith daily so children and spouse see Christ in you.

  4. Seek Renewal – Repent where neglect has crept in. Invite God to restore balance. Remember, He is not looking for public success while families silently suffer. He is looking for faithfulness in both spheres.

Reflection Questions

  • Am I more intentional about leading others than leading my own family?

  • What small, consistent steps can I take this week to water the spiritual life of my household?

  • If my children or spouse were asked, would they say, “Yes, our house serves the Lord”?

Prayer

Father, forgive us for the times we have poured out to many yet left our own families thirsty. Teach us to lead with balance, to water our homes with prayer, love, and the Word, and to see our families as our first calling. May our greatest testimony be not just in the pulpit or ministry but around our own dinner tables. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

January 11: Help! I Am A Worrier.

-
Image
Help! I Am A Worrier. Author : Sharon Campbell-Danvers, Shepherdess, Educator Theme : Contentment in Christ. Finding peace and joy in God regardless of circumstances Peace of mind is a valuable commodity that cannot have a price tag placed on it. If worrying was a product, I would be rich.  Peace of mind is precious and closely aligned with our mental health and well-being. Truth be told, so many things seek to distract us from what is truly important and what gives us true peace. This is a struggle for me. I need a piece of peace! A big slice. Whopper version, supersized. Women are confronted with many issues that impact their peace of mind. The woman with the issue of blood was in a deep place for twelve years (Mark 5:25-34). Mary and Martha watched their brother die and wept (John 11:1-44). The woman at the well was searching for deeper meaning in her life without even knowing it until she came in contact with Jesus (John 4:1-26). Hannah was troubled at home and could find no ...
Read more

January 3: Trust the Plan

-
Image
Trust the Plan Theme : Trusting God's timing and purpose in your life. Author : Dr. Terry-Ann Robinson, Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church   For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11   I must admit I don't like waiting or uncertainty. I am one of those people who make a list for everything, and then I have a list to keep track of my list. I work very strictly with time, and I mentally take quite a few "chill pills" to control my emotions when things don't go according to plan. I have gotten better over the years, but my "chill pills" are still needed. For some time now, I have been asking God to show me His plan for my life. I want a glimpse of the plan. Instead of showing me the details of His plan, God responds with Jeremiah 29:11, saying He knows the plan.   But Lord, I want to know the plan too.   Why can't you just tell me the ...
Read more

March 16 Anxious but Anchored

-
Image
Carol Nyack Shepherdess Cayman Islands Conference of SDA Theme: Trusting God when anxiety creeps in . It was a cool February evening, and I was reaching the end of my rope in more ways than one. I was partially laid up with a broken ankle, having just shattered my beautiful flowerpot. At the same time, vacuuming, and then, minutes later, discovered that my unlocked car had been ransacked during the night. I glanced at my husband resting on the sofa. He remained unbothered by my recounting of events. I then contacted our older son. While on the phone, my husband calmly said, "Ask him to come take me to the hospital." There was no complaint of pain, no urgency in his voice—just a quiet request. At this point, I knew prayer was more important than questioning.  Our son arrived, and just as my husband turned to kiss me and leave, I grabbed him to pray. On the way to the hospital, things took a drastic do...
Read more