2 Biblical Principles for Leading with Integrity

Practical Tips To Improve Your Marriage

Let me start off by saying that I’m no relationship expert, guru, or anything like that.

I’m just a man who’s tired of feeling “stuck”.

Stuck in my business, stuck in my marriage, stuck in my relationships, and stuck in my overall quality of life.

I’ve been with my wife for 13 years, and I’m still learning about her and our relationship each and every day. The difference now, is that I’m more aware of her needs, my needs, and our relational needs.

Since putting God in the center of our household, we’ve drastically improved our marriage. We’re communicating better than even, and for the first time in 13 years I truly feel like we’re in SYNC. Shoutout to my 90’s boy band listeners!

I encourage you to read these tips and apply them to your relationships. Renew your thinking from “This is a me (or you) problem” into “This is a WE problem”.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but change can start TODAY.

Principle #1: Humility - Leading by Serving

One of the most important qualities of a godly leader is humility. Jesus Himself set the ultimate example of humility when He washed the feet of His disciples in John 13:12-17, demonstrating that a true leader must be willing to serve others. In fact, Jesus goes on to say in Matthew 20:26, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."

The Importance of Humility in Leadership

Why is humility so important in leadership, especially in the context of marriage and family? A humble leader is willing to admit their mistakes and learn from them, which fosters an environment of trust, mutual respect, and open communication. Furthermore, a humble leader is more likely to seek God's wisdom and guidance in decision-making, rather than relying solely on their own understanding.

In the context of marriage, humility is essential because it enables a husband to lead his family with love and understanding, rather than trying to dominate or control. As Paul writes in Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." This kind of self-sacrificial love can only come from a place of humility.

Practical Tips for Cultivating Humility in Leadership

So, how can men cultivate humility in their leadership within their marriages and families? Here are a few practical tips:

1. Pray for humility: Ask God to give you a humble heart and to help you lead with a spirit of service, rather than pride or arrogance.

2. Learn from others: Be open to the wisdom and input of others, especially your spouse and children. Recognize that you don't have all the answers and be willing to learn from their experiences and insights.

3. Serve your family: Look for ways to serve your spouse and children, whether it's through acts of kindness, listening to their concerns, or supporting their dreams and goals.

4. Admit your mistakes: When you make a mistake or fall short in your leadership, own up to it and apologize. This not only sets a positive example for your family but also fosters an environment of grace and forgiveness.

Principle #2: Faithfulness - Staying Committed to Your Calling

As men of God, we are called to lead our families with faithfulness, both to God and to our loved ones. This means being steadfast in our devotion to our marriages, as well as our spiritual responsibilities as fathers and leaders within our households.

The Power of Faithfulness in Leadership

Faithfulness is a powerful quality in a leader because it communicates trustworthiness, reliability, and a commitment to the well-being of others. When a husband and father is faithful to his calling, he models for his family what it means to be loyal, dependable, and true to one's word.

Faithfulness is not only about physical fidelity but also emotional and spiritual fidelity. This means prioritizing your spouse's needs and desires, nurturing your relationship, and staying true to the promises you made before God and others.

Practical Tips for Cultivating Faithfulness in Leadership

Here are some practical tips for cultivating faithfulness in leadership within your marriage and family:

1. Make time for your spouse: Prioritize quality time with your spouse, regularly engaging in activities and conversations that nurture your emotional connection and strengthen your bond.

2. Set boundaries: Be mindful of the influences in your life that could potentially weaken your commitment to your spouse and family, and set appropriate boundaries to protect your relationships.

3. Keep your promises: Be a man of your word, following through on the commitments you make to your spouse, children, and others.

4. Stay grounded in God's Word: Regularly engage in Bible study and prayer, allowing God's Word to guide your decisions, actions, and priorities as a husband and father.

By applying these biblical principles of humility and faithfulness in your leadership, you can lead your family with integrity and create a positive, Christ-centered environment where everyone can grow and thrive. Remember, the journey of becoming a godly leader is an ongoing one, so continue to seek God's wisdom and guidance as you strive to lead your family with love, grace, and authenticity.

-Angelo