by Dr. Paul Chappell

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."

Luke 6:46-49

God's Word isn't simply good listening material; it's your guide to life.

A recent study has shone light on the importance of male godly leadership in the home. According to the study, nearly sixty-eight million of America's ninety-four million men don't attend any church. What's more shocking is that eighty-six percent of American men grew up with some sort of church background.

How sad that men who were taught to prioritize church and value God have turned from their role as leader in their homes. Many times men would rather not bother with the pressures and responsibilities of leading in their homes, but give up altogether.

As Romans 10:17 says,"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Many people have grown up hearing the Bible taught, but sometimes that teaching is lost once they grow older. Being a godly leader means not only hearing the principles of God's Word but building upon them by obeying them.

Have you ever seen someone who perhaps was given many things in life but never did anything with it? Maybe it was a friend who was raised in a loving home, was given a great education, and was provided for in every way, yet wasted their life. What happened? They turned from the teaching of their parents and failed to obey what they had been taught.

As godly leaders we must not only hear the Bible, but follow it. Perhaps the most convicting verse in the Bible is recorded in Luke 6:46, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" If God were to examine your life, would He wonder why you claimed Him as your leader but don't obey His Word?

Luke 6 goes on to describe the person who hears and obeys God's truth as a wise man who digs deep to build his house. His structure isn't based on surface material, but is grounded deep. He builds on the solid foundation.

It's easy to listen to sermons, sing godly songs, and put on a show of godly leadership, but are you truly following God? Do your actions match your words? God's Word isn't simply good listening material; it's your guide to life.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, once allowed a media crew to film his life inside his castle. A rare look was seen of the prince's life. Many viewers noted that even when behind closed doors, the prince retained his dignity. As Prince Charles stated, "It, more than anything else, is a way of life. It's more than a job. It's a complete, 24-hour-a-day business, really."

Godly leadership isn't lived in the spotlight, but in the day-to-day workings of life. Many can put on a show of godliness, but the true godly leader not only hears God's principles and sees God's way of guidance, but also applies them personally in every area of life.

Is your leadership simply for show or is it built on the solid truth of God's Word? Ask yourself if you are simply listening to God's Word or if you're obeying it as well. God desires that your leadership not be built on a showy exterior, but on a solid heart foundation of truth.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Job 17-19 | Acts 10:1-23