Leading Your Family Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Remote Control)

You ever try leading your family in devotions after a 10-hour workday, a traffic jam sent straight from the devil, and three kids who treat bedtime like a hostage negotiation? Yeah. Me too. One minute you’re trying to read Ephesians 5, the next you’re dodging Legos like you're in a Navy SEAL obstacle course.

But despite the chaos, exhaustion, and unexplainable smell in the minivan, here’s the truth: You were made to lead. Not perfectly, but purposefully.

Wait—Me? A Leader?

Yes. You. Even if your kids think “Moses” is a guy from Fortnite and your idea of a worship playlist is just “Eye of the Tiger.” Leadership in the home isn’t about being a Bible scholar or a motivational speaker. It’s about loving your family like Jesus loves you - sacrificially, consistently, and with a sense of humor (because you’re going to need it). Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”(NIV). Jesus gave up Heaven for His bride.You can give up the last slice of pizza and maybe a few episodes of SportsCenter.

What Leadership Actually Looks Like

Leading your family spiritually doesn’t mean turning your living room into a monastery. It means showing up. Daily. Authentically.

1. Be the First to Pray

Not just over meals—but when the kids are sick, your wife is overwhelmed, or you're both knee-deep in bills and burnt toast.You don’t need perfect words. Just be present.

2. Be the First to Say "I Was Wrong"

Yeah, this one stings. But guess what? Your kids don’t need a flawless dad—they need a faithful one.Repentance teaches more than perfection ever could.

3. Be the First to Open the Word

Crack open that Bible. Even if it’s just a verse before school or a chapter on Sunday night. If they see you chasing God, they’ll learn it’s worth chasing too.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children…”. If ESPN can be on repeat, so can God's Word.

Stop Waiting for “The Right Time”

You don’t need to wait until life slows down, the kids mature, or your beard grows in more evenly. Start now. God doesn’t call the perfect, He equips the willing. Leading your family isn’t a future goal, it’s a daily battle and you don’t need to win it alone. “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” says Joshua 24:15. That’s not a cute wall decal. That’s a battle cry.

What About When I Feel Like I’m Failing?

Join the club, brother. Some days you’ll feel like the spiritual MVP. Other days, your kids will eat Pop-Tarts for dinner and think “Exodus” is a new Marvel movie. But don’t quit.The enemy wants you passive, quiet, and checked out. God wants you engaged.

And here’s the best part, you’re not in this alone. You’ve got the Holy Spirit, the Word, and a whole crew of other jacked-up, grace-covered, coffee-fueled men walking the same road.

Here’s Your Challenge, Dad/Husband/Warrior:

This week:

• Pick one time to pray as a family.

• Say “I love you” more than you say “hurry up.”

• Apologize first.

• Ask your wife how she’s really doing.

• Lead one short devotional or Scripture reading—even if it’s just reading a verse over breakfast while everyone’s chewing loudly.

Small steps. Big impact. Because at the end of the day, God isn’t asking you to be the “spiritual expert,” He’s asking you to be faithful, available, and filled with His grace.

Let’s Lead Boldly—Even If Our Kids Think We’re Cringe.

You don’t need a cape. You don’t need a seminary degree. You just need a heart that says:“God, I’m in. Use me in this home.” So go lead. Love. Laugh. Apologize. Pray. Mess up. Try again. Repeat.

Because warriors don’t retreat when it’s hard.They stand up. In the living room. In the kitchen. At bedtime. With the Word in one hand… and maybe a juice box in the other.

Live Faith Fueled & Battle Ready!