There is a simple leadership truth found throughout Scripture and it is this: if you cannot properly care for yourself and those closest to you, you should not be entrusted with the care of others. There has been vociferous debate about whether the way we conduct our personal lives has any bearing on our eligibility for leading others. Yet Scripture is unequivocal on this point. If you are not faithful in a little, you should not be given more.
At times we can be seduced into pouring our efforts into the places where we receive the greatest accolades. We become effective problem solvers at work but frustrated critics at home. Some leaders seek to build great teams in their office but are alienated from their spouse and children. It can become tempting to give our best to those at our job and our leftovers to our family.
Scripture warns that: if we do not properly care for our family, then not only are we unworthy to be entrusted with the stewardship of others, but we also disgrace the name of our Lord. To claim to be a follower of Jesus and then neglect our family is to dishonor our Savior’s name. You may be well respected at work. But what is your reputation with your family? Even those who reject Christianity care for those families. How much more ought we, who have the love of Christ within us, provide for those God placed in our care?