I can’t manage my family!
by Pastor Greg Fowler
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[The overseer] must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect (1 Timothy 3:4).
Read 1 Timothy 3:1–16
There are times when I feel successful as a father. There are many other times when I feel like a failure. What’s particularly difficult for me as a pastor is the requirement that I manage my family well and ensure my children obey me. Anyone who knows my wife and children realises that is an impossible task! I would do great damage to my marriage if I tried to manage my wife, and I have no desire for my daughters to obey me. My call as a father is to sacrifice for my family and love and respect them.
My role as a pastor has some similarities to my role as a father. I am called to pray for my family just like I pray for the people I shepherd. In fact, this is the most powerful thing I can do. When my youngest daughter was born, I had recurring dreams of her being hurt, which disturbed me. When I spoke to my pastor about it, he told me it was the fear of being unable to protect her. He asked me if I thought she was a child of God and if God was parenting alongside me. In truth, I thought I was doing it alone. From that day on, I prayed for my family every day and asked God to partner with me; after all, he is the ultimate good Father.
Over the years, my relationship with my children has changed as they have grown from infants to children to women. I tell them that I pray for them still. I tell them I am still their father, but they have a better one in God.
Father God, be with us all as we live our calling to be husbands, wives, parents etc. May you be with us as we seek your will for our families. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in Adelaide and serves as pastor of Golden Grove Lutheran Church and School. He is blessed to be able to spend lots of time with his grandchildren, Teddy and Olivia. His spare time is taken up with golf, Formula 1 and going out with his beautiful wife.
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