In the book of Judges, we see that the Lord raised up men to lead. He gave them His spirit, and qualified them for the work He had for them to do. He had a specific purpose for these judges, and that was to deliver the people of Israel out of the hands of their enemies, restore them, protect them, and bring justice to them.
Our sons have a specific calling as well. They are called to be godly leaders. As parents, we can teach them about their calling—beginning when they are young—and continuing right up until they are grown.
Here are some ways you can encourage your son in his calling to be a godly leader:
1. Beginning when they are young enough to enjoy sitting in your lap with a book, read passages about godly leaders in the Bible, pointing out how God called them and how they were faithful.
2. Read historical books about our nation’s leaders, pointing out their leadership qualities and how they were used.
3. Share with them about leaders who failed, and talk with them about what happens when we are not faithful to our calling.
4. Point out people in real life who are good examples of being a godly leader (father, grandfather, friend at church, etc.).
5. Put them in situations where they are able to learn and practice leadership skills.
6. After they’ve spent time with a friend or have had opportunity to interact in a group setting, ask how they were able to show leadership in the specific situations they were in.
7. Give them opportunities in your home to practice their leadership skills.
8. As they get older, allow them to make decisions without having to always hear your opinion. Even if you think there is a better way, they need to learn to make decisions for themselves, and doing so will build their confidence.
9. Be sure to point out any way that you have seen them show leadership and encourage them in even the smallest efforts they may make.
10. Pray that God would work in your son’s heart and give him a desire to be faithful in his calling to be a godly leader.
11. Pray that your son will grow in wisdom, and that he would know what it is specifically that God is calling him to do as a leader.
12. Let your son know, on a regular basis, that you are praying for him and that you know the calling to be a leader is a huge one.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Your son may not be born with a personality that the world might see and label as a “natural, born leader”, but you can be confident that God has called your son to lead, that He will give your son His spirit, and that He has qualified your son for the specific work He has called him to.
SOMETHING TO PRAY
Father, help me to be a student of my son. Help me to see the opportunities that exist in every day life that might enable him to practice leading. Help me to know how to encourage him to lead with the personality that you gave him, and to know how to teach him the calling that you have given him. Amen
EXTRA VERSES TO PRAY
Exodus 18:21 “But select capable men from all the people, men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain, and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.”
Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Psalm 78:72 “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”
Proverbs 11:14 “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
Expressing an interest in the thing(s) a young man enjoys is very important. My son didn’t used to enjoy much. He only really enjoyed video games so I started to just watch him play. I watched and got involved so I met more of his friends. We talked a lot more. Then he got interested in something else. It was s hobby that I knew nothing about but I listened. We talked. Now I know a lot about it. Just yesterday he “tested” me. Then he said thank you for showing an interest in what I enjoy. He said that he appreciates that he can tell I listen when he talks.
This is one I will keep coming back to! Thank you for sharing!!
This was very helpful!