It’s Time to Stop Debating and Start Obeying

God isn’t asking for your opinion—He’s waiting for your obedience.

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You say you want to lead your family, but are you actually following Jesus? Or just following your idea of Him? This devotional is a call to Christian men—husbands, fathers, brothers, and grandfathers—to reject passivity, manage your time like it matters, and obey God without excuse. We’re talking real-life, raw reflection on loyalty, humility, and what it means to be a faithful shepherd. If you’ve been waiting for a wake-up call, this is it.

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God’s Word for Today
John 2:5 — His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (ESV)

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God has no problem managing His time. He created it. We’re the ones constantly saying, “I don’t have time,” like it’s a badge of honor. It’s not. It’s an excuse, and it’s killing our leadership. You’ve got 24 hours, brother—same as every other man before you. The issue isn’t time, it’s what we choose to do with it.

I remember attending an event in the late ’90s with Donald Trump and Tony Robbins. I think it was over dinner. Trump was talking about all the banks and properties he was juggling. The point that stuck with me? How they talked about time. How we all have the same amount, yet most men waste it while convincing themselves they’re just “too busy.” That conversation sparked something in me.

From then on, I learned to manage two things well: my time and my priorities. And I’ve seen it—clear as day—how your choices in these two areas define everything else. Especially as a Christian man.

Let’s be real—if you’re leading a family, you’re shepherding. And shepherding takes obedience. Not just once. Daily. Obedience requires faith, loyalty and humility. You don’t just get these handed to you—you have to choose them. Again and again.

Faith is not just believing God exists. It’s deliberate commitment. Even when there’s no plan, no answer, no clear way forward. Like Jesus on the cross—Luke 23:46—“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” That’s faith. That’s the kind of grit and trust we’re called to as men. At the start of the day. At the end. Especially in the middle when everything’s falling apart.

Let me be clear, I am not trivializing Jesus death on the cross by saying we men need to act in faith the same as Jesus.  That in and of itself is our ultimate pursuit of holiness.

Loyalty  – It’s not loyalty to your idea of God. It’s loyalty to God Himself. There is a big difference between the two and a big step, a life changing step. One will keep you in your comfort zone. The other will push you out into the wild with nothing but a promise—and that’s where God shows up. Loyalty says, “Even if I don’t understand, I’ll obey.” It doesn’t look for loopholes. It doesn’t ask for a sign. It just moves.

And then there’s humility. Man, this one hurts because pride’s always creeping in. But the truth? You are a child of God. That’s not weakness—that’s your power. Come to Him like a son. Not a CEO. Not a big shot but like a little boy who knows his Father’s arms are always open. That’s how Jesus calls us. That’s how we pray. That’s how we lead.

Stop thinking your problems are too small for God. Stop thinking He’s got “bigger things” to deal with. That’s not Biblical. That’s pride wrapped in false humility.

God has no limits. Time isn’t His issue. It’s yours. He’s already made you a priority. You and your family are on His heart. Are you putting Him on yours?

We complicate this stuff. “I don’t have time to pray.” Come on. You don’t have 10 seconds? You’ve got 86,400 seconds in a day. You can’t spare a few to talk to the One who gave you every one of them?

So let’s go simple. If that’s where you’re at, start with this simple prayer right now: “Jesus, I love You.” That’s it. No excuses. Say it in your head. Say it while you’re driving. Say it when you walk into your house tonight. Let your kids hear it. Let your wife see it on your face.

Prayer isn’t performance. It’s presence. And presence takes obedience. You want your home to change? Then you’ve got to lead with obedience, not convenience. We don’t get to lead passively. That’s not shepherding—that’s coasting. Shepherds don’t coast. They commit.

And if you’re the kind of man who wants a return on your investment, then hear this:
Prayer brings peace.
Obedience brings joy.
Loyalty brings strength.
You may not see it in the moment, but your family will. And more importantly—your Father will.

This is your wake-up call. Not a guilt trip—a challenge. To be a man who follows Jesus without debate. A man who obeys when no one’s watching. A man who stops saying “someday” and starts saying, “Now.”

So stop scrolling. Stop stalling. And pray.

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Today’s “Shepherding in Action” Value
Obedience in the small moments builds credibility and spiritual authority in the big moments — your family needs to see that following God isn’t optional, it’s your way of life.

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Reflect / Apply / Share

1. Reflect – Where am I letting time, busyness, or pride keep me from obeying Jesus right now?
2. Apply – What’s one moment in my daily routine I can reclaim for simple, direct prayer—starting today?
3. Share – Who in my life needs to see me lead in faith, not just talk about it—and how will I show them this week?

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Bible References (ESV)
John 2:5 — His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Luke 23:46 — Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
1 John 3:20 — For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.

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Personal Prayer
Lord, help me stop making excuses and start obeying You without hesitation. I want to be a man who leads with courage, faith, and humility—no matter what the cost.

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My Personal Journey & Engagement Call
These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus.
If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.
To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or subscribe to the YouTube channel here.

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