Some wives lead their families spiritually when their husbands do not play that role. When their husbands do not take the lead in spiritual matters, a wife may feel upset or let down. Thus, the spiritual well-being of their families is negatively affected and How Do I Motivate My Husband Spiritually?
God has blessed husbands to be the leader of their families. You certainly can do some things to motivate your husband spiritually. You can motivate your husband to lead by pointing out his strengths and encouraging, respecting, and praising him, among other things.
What do you do when your husband doesn’t lead spiritually?
Family life can be difficult when a husband does not lead spiritually. You can step back and give your support for his leadership while you try the following eleven actions that may encourage him to take the leading role:
1. Pray
Your husband may not be leading your family spiritually, but that does not mean he cannot do it. He may not have the desire to lead. However, there is a possibility that he will change this.
Jesus taught his disciples that they should ask and they will receive it [ John 16:24 (NIV) ]. This teaching is relevant to you today. Pray for your husband to grow spiritually. Ask God for your spouse to have time to read the Bible and meditate. Ask God to make your husband desire to lead your family spiritually. Ask God to bless your husband’s mind and heart so he can lead. Pray for God to prepare your husband for the spiritual leadership role.
2. Seek the help of godly men
Your husband may lack the motivation to lead. He may not see the need to lead your family spiritually. He may see himself as not prepared to take the responsibility of spiritually leading his family. Perhaps leading the family is not a priority for him yet.
The Lord said to his disciples to search and they will find [ Matthew 7:7 (NIV) ]. The Lord wants you to do the same. Ask for help from the wise and learned men in your circle or church that your husband has high regard for. They are a blessing from God to help, guide or mentor your spouse. Bring the matter to them and let them take the right measures to help your husband.
3. Encourage him
Your spouse may look at spiritual leadership as a big responsibility. He may see himself as not having the ability to lead your family spiritually. He may see the role as huge and see himself as not fit for the task.
Paul commanded the early disciples to encourage each other [ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) ]. Remind him of his talents, abilities, and skills. Encourage him to read books on godly leadership and attend relevant webinars, seminars, or conferences on leading spiritually. Let him know and remember that God has appointed him to be the spiritual leader of your family and that God will enable him to be that.
How Do I Motivate My Husband Spiritually?
4. Give examples
Giving your husband examples of men in the Bible or at church who spiritually led their families can help encourage your husband to lead. Real examples are easier to imitate.
You can start by sharing the examples of Noah, Joseph, the father of Jesus, Moses, and most especially God, the Father, and even Jesus can be considered as a family man. He said to his disciples that they should follow His steps [ John 13:15 (NIV) ]. Help your husband see the way of Jesus. Sharing these examples of men being spiritual family leaders will inspire and equip your husband to do the same for your family.
How Do I Motivate My Husband Spiritually?
5. Express your gratitude and appreciation
Your husband may have forgotten the good and important things he has done for you and your family. Due to certain circumstances, he may not realize how he has contributed to the betterment of each member of your family.
Jesus gave a command to his disciples to love each other [ John 13:34-35 (NIV) ]. And two good ways of showing love and support to your husband are letting him know that you are grateful for what he does and appreciating him for who he is and for his efforts. Expressing your gratitude to your husband for his good deeds for your family is valuable in the process of him becoming a spiritual leader. When you are grateful and appreciative of his actions, he will be filled with joy and inspired to do more, which will motivate him to lead your family spiritually.
6. Praise him
Your husband will need praise from you. Praising him is important for making your spouse realize and embrace the fact that he is the spiritual leader in your family. Praising him will make him more confident to lead your family spiritually. Giving praise to him reassures him of his important role in your family, his abilities, and what he can do.
Paul taught the believers to please others [ Romans 15:2 (NIV) ]. Your praise for your husband is pleasing to him. Praise your husband generously. Praise him for the small things that he does and even more for the bigger things. Praise him for how he loves and treats you and your children. Praise him in his dealings with other people, especially the needy.
How Do I Motivate My Husband Spiritually?
7. Be submissive
A husband may not accept the spiritual leadership role in your family if he does not see a space for him to take on the role. A husband may just let the task be taken by the wife if the wife is naturally assertive.
Paul ordered wives to submit to their husbands [ Ephesians 5:22-24 (NIV) ]. By submitting yourself to his leadership, you are ushering your husband into his rightful place of spiritual leadership. Submit to his love. Submit to his authority. A wife is a follower in the family. You are a follower, so you can best fulfill your role by submitting to your husband, who God has anointed to lead your family.
8. Give him high respect
There is a good possibility that your husband will lead your family spiritually when you respect him fully. As in any family, respect is needed for the relationship to be strong and for your husband to be motivated to lead and grow.
The Bible says that a wife must give due respect to her husband [ Ephesians 5:33 (NIV) ]. Give your full respect to your husband. Respect him when you are together and respect him when you are with your children. Give him respect in the presence of others. Do not be rude to him. Give constructive criticism, but do not criticize him in front of others.
How Do I Motivate My Husband Spiritually?
9. Have reasonable expectations
Having high expectations can lead to dismay and disappointment. Set reasonable expectations for your husband who will be leading your family spiritually.
Paul asked the believers to be considerate of others [ Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV) ]. Have consideration for your husband’s personality. Think about his abilities and consider how far he can take your family spiritually. Adjust your expectations when you think that your husband has limitations in an area of his leadership role.
10. Speak to him politely
Good communication is essential in motivating your husband to spiritually lead your family. You can communicate effectively with your husband in a variety of ways.
The Bible teaches that Christians should speak pleasantly [ Colossians 4:6 (NIV) ]. Speak to your husband kindly and with gentleness. Talk to him while remaining sensitive to his feelings. Be empathic, considerate, and understanding with him. Tell him what you want but ask him for his opinion. Do not jump into doing important things right away without the knowledge of your husband. Ask if he is interested in or willing to do something. Ask him to help you make a decision and listen to him intently.
How Do I Motivate My Husband Spiritually?
11. Think of and remove hindrances to spiritual leadership
There are hindrances to your husband’s taking the spiritual leadership role in your family. Obstacles are there to keep spiritual leadership from growing in your family.
God said that obstacles should be taken away [ Isaiah 57:14 (NIV) ]. Think of the things that may hinder your husband from taking on the role of the spiritual leader in your family. Once you identify these, remove them from his path. Hindrances such as noise, tiredness, lack of focus, lack of time, discomfort, and others should be dealt with accordingly.
How Do I Motivate My Husband Spiritually?
Conclusion
Many think that spiritual leadership entails only leading a devotion, a prayer, or bible study. However, spiritual leadership in a family means that your husband loves and takes care of you and your children and manages the family well. You motivate your husband by supporting, encouraging, and praying for him.