The responsibility of men in business

Apostle Steve Lyston, Contributor

Ordinarily, it is quite a task to balance our work and family lives, because work often infringes on quality time a person needs to spend with family. As a result family life is sacrificed in the pursuit of a career or promotion.

Your family is more important than your job, business, car, money, or position!

The greatest investment is your family! If you treat your family well, the stock value will never depreciate! In fact, the value will always increase! Don't allow those on your job to know more about your investments, other business deals, bank accounts than your wife.

The devil recognises that once he can destabilise the head (whether business, home or nation) then the entire unit will become and remain ineffective.

God's Requirement For Leadership

Once you are in a position of leadership, it is imperative that you first rule your own household well - I Timothy 3: 1 - 7. An overseer is much like a senior manager or a director of a company, or a minister of government in the secular arena, who has other leaders under them. Hence they too must abide by this scripture.

As a leader, you must understand that because you have the potential to positively influence anyone, then the devil is going to try to use people to bring you down or embarrass you; and if he cannot get you where he wants you, he will try to destroy you and your family!

Men must realise that God has placed them as the head of the family - I Corinthians 11 and Genesis 3. He has given you authority over your household, which means you must lead from the front and not shirk your familial responsibilities. Hence:

1. It is your duty to seek God to make decisions for the family. God will use your wife as a confirmation to that decision. Family devotions are key!

2. Do not leave your wife out of major decision-making, and take your wife to functions with you - office parties, family gatherings - DO NOT ALLOW YOUR ASSOCIATES TO BE CLOSER TO YOU THAN YOUR WIFE!

Wives, Not Associates!

Sadly, in many instances, associates have more information than the wives do. Don't allow your associates to:

Know your whereabouts, secrets and weaknesses while your wife doesn't.

Know that you're sick and your wife doesn't know.

Have such great control over what you eat and drink, while your wife has no clue about your preferences or needs.

Once you find that it is easier to talk to your secretary or other associates than to your wife, your life is in trouble and it is now time for prayer, vacation, communicating with each other or counselling. It is nonsensical to lose your wife and children. It would be better for you to quit the job! Remember, God first, family second, work next!

Remember that your wife and children were there with you when you were not recognised, had no money and no status! Don't allow Delilah or Jezebel to walk into your family life and destroy it! Sexual immorality not only affects family, but also your job, your business and even a nation's economy.

Investment

God hates divorce! (Malachi 2: 16) Your family is the best investment God can give you! You must increase profitability on this investment - the returns on these shares are immeasurable!

Read I Peter 3: 7 - 12 and reflect on your attitude towards God, because ultimately, that relationship determines your attitude towards your family.

Remember:

Never forget your family members' birthdays, your anniversary or any other special family-related occasions.

Don't allow work to destroy the sexual relationship between you and your wife; it is the most important part of your marriage. If your sex life is dead then seek the Lord and ask Him for help in that area - He is the resurrection power - and use the tools that God has given us - Irish moss, pumpkin seeds, carrot juice, soursop and barley to help you improve.

Apostle Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including End Time Finance and The New Millionaire.