Serve in Truth, Lead with Love

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” —Ephesians 5:21 (ESV)

A Revelation from the Well

Brothers, let me tell you about one of the first stories that hit me right in the heart when I started walking with Christ—the woman at the well in John 4. I’ll admit, when I first read it, I cried. Not just once—every time I went back to it, the tears would come. It wasn’t just her story; it was the way Jesus broke the rules, crossed the boundaries, and offered her something she didn’t even know she needed: living water.

Back in 2008, when I was saved, I was still green. I didn’t know much about the Bible, but I knew I craved it. I wanted the Word like a starving man wants food. And that story about the woman at the well became my anchor. It stuck with me because, like her, I had my own pride and hurts. Jesus looked past all of that and met her where she was. He offered her the truth she didn’t even know she needed.

When Truth Hurts but Heals

Fast-forward to today, and I’ve been reminded of a truth I’d overlooked. In life, especially as husbands and fathers, pride can blind us. Recently, I had a moment where I thought I was doing God’s will—ready to sell my house, make big changes, and turn everything upside down. I thought I was following Him. But in my rush to “do the right thing,” I stopped listening to the people who mattered most: my family.

I heard them, but I didn’t listen. That’s a big difference. My pride had me so tuned into WIIFM (“What’s in it for me?”) that I missed WGOD (“What’s God’s direction?”). And when the Holy Spirit finally convicted me, it stung. I realized I wasn’t leading my family in love. I was charging ahead like King Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 10, chasing after what I thought was right without humbling myself to seek wise counsel.

Rehoboam’s pride led to disaster. He ignored the wisdom of the elders and listened to the voices that told him what he wanted to hear. In the end, he lost ten of the twelve tribes of Israel. His kingdom split because he refused to humble himself and serve.

Putting Pride Aside to Serve

That lesson hit home for me. As men, we’re called to shepherd our families—not with pride or domineering control, but with humility and love. Leading isn’t about getting your way; it’s about serving your family and pointing them to Christ.

The truth is, serving is hard. Admitting when you’re wrong is hard. Putting your family’s needs ahead of your own pride—it’s the toughest battle you’ll fight. But it’s also the most rewarding. When we tune our hearts to God and His Word, we can lead in a way that brings peace, unity, and love into our homes.

Practical Reflection

Reflection Question: Are you listening to your family with humility, or are you letting pride drown out their voices?

Suggested Answer:

• Pray for clarity: Ask God to reveal where pride is blocking you from hearing your family. (Psalm 139:23-24)
• Seek wise counsel: Don’t go it alone—find men of faith who can speak truth into your life. (Proverbs 11:14)
• Apologize and forgive: Own up to mistakes, and seek forgiveness when you’ve failed to listen. (Ephesians 4:2-3)
• Spend intentional time: Create space to really hear your wife and children—no distractions. (James 1:19)
• Stay grounded in the Word: Make God’s truth the foundation of your leadership. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Closing Scripture

“Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” —John 4:14 (ESV)

#fatherhood #servantleadership #FaithfulShepherds #ChristCenteredHome #menoftheshepherd #TheHarvestField