Why should leaders prioritize their families?

1 Samuel 2:12-25Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord or for their duties as priests. . . . Now Eli was very old, but he was aware of what his sons were doing to the people of Israel. . . . But Eli’s sons wouldn’t listen to their father.

A leader’s family can cause great harm to the leader and to the larger community. A Christian leader whose own family doesn’t follow what he teaches loses the respect of his followers.

1 Kings 1:6Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, “Why are you doing that?”

A leader’s failure to discipline his family can threaten his own legacy. David’s failure led his son, Adonijah, to try to establish himself as king in place of Solomon.

1 Timothy 3:4-5He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?

The way a leader leads his or her family reveals a great deal about their ability to lead others.

Titus 1:6An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious.

Leadership in all its aspects begins at home. Those who put their work first will find themselves last.