I Will Prepare... Eventually

Guys, I know most — if not all — of you would like to be husbands and fathers some day. It’s a high calling for sure — something that you cannot afford to take lightly. Have you spent some time asking yourself, “what’s it going to take?” Have you considered what Scripture has to say about it?

The Bible is definitely not silent on this issue. There are a number of passages addressing what God requires of husbands (and potential husbands); if we would devote some quality time to studying these, we would find them immensely helpful as we prepare.

Sadly, too many otherwise promising young men decide to squander their time being goofy. “Eventually,” they reason, “I’ll shape up and develop the character I need to become a godly husband.” And they get noticed! Just not for the right reasons.

Guys, don’t kid yourselves. You won’t magically become a godly man when the time is right. Moreover, you can’t expect marriage to “solve your problems.” If you’re character is lacking, marriage will simplify amplify that fact! Think about it. Let’s say you enter marriage with a lack of self-sacrifice. You’re selfishly pursuing the things you like without regard for others. Do you honestly think that placing yourself in a position that demands a high level of self-sacrifice will automatically fix your problems in that area?

Don’t be naive here! Who you are today in relation to your family and friends is largely who you will be in relation to your wife and children. Am I saying that marriage won’t shape and change you? No — of course it will. But remember, the Bible has standards which, if you fail to meet them when entering into marriage, will be no less challenging to meet once you’re married. Either way, you have your orders. God has told you what He expects. Will you prepare now or will you push it off?

Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. (Titus 2:6-8 ESV)