Disadvantages of Prioritizing Ministerial Duties Before Natural Family Responsibiliti

Prioritizing ministerial duties over the natural responsibilities of our families can lead to neglect and an imbalance for each family member. The Bible makes it clear that caring for one's family is a primary responsibility. In 1Timothy 5:8, Paul states, But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. This verse emphasizes that neglecting one's family contradicts the faith we profess. Additionally, in 1 Timothy 3:5, Paul questions, For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God? This highlights that effective ministry starts with leading and nurturing our households first. When we neglect our family's emotional, spiritual, and physical needs for the work of the ministry, we risk damaging our witness and failing to demonstrate God's love in our own home.
One of the most impactful takeaways from the video was the understanding that it is never too late for one of your children to find his or her way back to the Lord. Parenting is a lifelong responsibility in which we continue to pray and believe God, they will always have a passion for serving God. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. This suggests that the foundation laid in childhood carries into adulthood. Even in adulthood, children still need wisdom, encouragement, and accountability from their parents. In Ephesians 6:4, fathers are urged, Provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Parenting is not just about raising children to be independent but about continuing to invest in their spiritual and emotional well-being throughout their lives.

Hope, thank you for sharing your thoughts. People thought I was selfish when I would say I did not want children. But, I understand that being a parent was a big, lifetime commitment and I knew the selfless acts and sacrifices one had to make to be a good parent. I did not want that responsibility. Now that I am a parent, I do take my role seriously. I am learning how to prioritize my family, after God. I want them to get the best parts of me, just like others get because it is my job or duty.

Hope, I'm in agreement that the family's emotional, spiritual and physical needs come before the ministry. Oftentimes people can get so wrapped up in taking care of others that they neglect the needs of their own household, and that should not be. God is so concerned about the needs of everyone. Scripture says in Psalm 37:23-24, The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. When we seek to please the Lord by obeying Him in making our family a priority, we honor the Lord. The scripture says in 1 Colossians 3:17 says, And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.