The duty of the man is be the leader of his home (Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-25; 1 Peter 3:1-7). Many have turned away from this responsibility because they don’t know how to be a father, themselves. Many don’t want to be “nailed down,” some are just frightened at the responsibility, others just don’t see it as a big deal, and our current society is not helping at all. Hollywood is portraying men as ignorant, selfish and irresponsible. This is what children grow up watching on television (and listening to on the radio), and it then becomes their norm. Then the cycle continues. Christian men, it is time that we step up and take back the home, but how?
We can do this by following the example of Ezra (Ezra 7-10). Ezra was a priest during the days of the exile, and he was charged with leading Jews back to Jerusalem to restore the Law. There are a number of different points that stand out in Ezra’s leadership that will help us become real men, men of God. (1) We have to set our hearts to (a) study the law of God, (b) practice it, and (c) teach it to others (7:10). (2) We must surround ourselves with leading men, others who have a like mind to do number one (7:28). Finally, we must humble ourselves before God and seek His blessings (8:21).
