Your biggest battle as a man isn’t at work or in the world—it’s in your own heart.
You say you’re surrendered to Jesus. But are you really? This is a wake-up call for Christian men to stop playing the part and start leading their families with bold obedience. It’s time to cut out passive sin and stand firm as the servant leader God has called you to be.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
I told God I was surrendered. More than once.
The first time I said it, I meant it. At least, I thought I did. I had just been saved, and I gave God my words. I told Him He could have my life. And slowly, He began to clean house. He cleared out the trash in my mind, cleaned out my heart, and started rebuilding my home. It didn’t happen overnight. It took years. But I figured I was all in. Fully surrendered.
But years later, I looked back and realized I had only given Him part of me. I still had hidden sin. I still held control. I was still calling some of the shots, even if it was wrapped in spiritual language. And again, I said it: “Lord, I’m totally surrendered.”
Now here I am again. Years after that. And I see it clearer.
I was not surrendered then. And if I’m being honest, I probably still have corners of my life that I haven’t fully given up. But right here, right now, I say it again. With all I know today: I am totally surrendered.
Does that mean I’m done growing? Not at all. It means I know the condition of my heart matters most.
Men, this message is for you. Whether you’re a brand-new husband, a young dad holding your first baby, or you’re looking at retirement and watching your kids raise their own children.
Let me ask you something.
At any point, did you stop being a father? A husband? Did you take off the title when you had a rough day? No. You made a commitment. And maybe it didn’t go the way you planned. Maybe you didn’t live it out as well in year ten as you thought you would back in year one.
But here’s what I believe. God isn’t measuring your worth by the scoreboard. He’s looking at your heart.
Are you surrendered?
The heart is the wellspring. Jesus said that what flows from the heart defines the man. So if your heart is clogged with hidden sin, pride, laziness, or bitterness, then everything else downstream—your leadership, your tone, your choices, your example—gets poisoned.
Unrevealed sin eats at your character like rust on steel. It weakens your strength. It dulls your sword.
Total surrender is not about perfection. It’s about obedience. It’s not about having it all figured out. It’s about putting your sword back in the hands of the King.
Men, don’t confuse capacity with commitment. You might not have the strength to lead like the guy next to you. You might not know all the Scriptures yet. But God isn’t waiting for your strength. He’s waiting for your surrender.
It’s not about how polished your prayers are. It’s about whether your knees hit the floor.
It’s not about how loud you sing in church. It’s about whether your home sees your faith lived out.
So what do we do?
We grab the sword.
Not to be knights in shining armor. Not to be warriors for our own pride. But to be present.
To be consistent.
To be committed.
That sword—your servant leadership—should reflect the wellspring of your heart. It should tell your wife and kids that you’re not just along for the ride. You’re not checking out. You’re not watching the world burn from the couch.
You are surrendered. You are obedient. You are leading.
Not because you’re strong. But because He is.
This is not the time for passive men. This is not the season for halfway husbands and silent fathers. This is the time for men of God to rise up and reclaim what it means to be shepherds of their homes.
Let the condition of your heart be seen in the way you show up, speak life, and walk in repentance. Guard your heart, men. Because everything you do—your character, your leadership, your legacy—flows from that.
Pick up that sword again.
Not to look good.
But to lead well.
Today’s “Shepherding in Action” Value is… Surrendered Obedience
True servant leadership begins when we lay down our own control and lead our families with a heart fully given to Jesus.
Reflect / Apply / Share
- Reflect – What areas of your heart have you not fully surrendered to Jesus?
- Apply – What is one action you can take this week to lead your family in bold obedience?
- Share – Who is one man you can talk with about total surrender and accountability?
Bible References (NIV)
- Proverbs 4:23 — “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Personal Prayer
God, search my heart. I surrender every hidden place to You. Make me the man my family needs by shaping me into the man You want.
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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