A Godly Husband Leads Like Christ...

The world has done a great job confusing what it means to be a man.

Some believe leadership means being in charge. Others think it means demanding respect, getting your own way, or having the final say. But when we open God's Word, we see something completely different.

Biblical leadership has never been about power—it has always been about responsibility.

Jesus, the King of kings, didn't come to be served. He came to serve. He washed His disciples' feet. He laid down His life. He sacrificed everything for those He loved.

That is the model God gives husbands.

As I was reading through this list, I couldn't help but smile because it immediately made me think of my husband, Scot. We've been married for nearly twenty years, and while neither of us would ever claim to be perfect, I have been incredibly blessed with a husband who genuinely strives to honor Christ in the way he loves our family. Watching him over the years has given me a front-row seat to what biblical leadership really looks like.

Love Her Sacrificially

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." — Ephesians 5:25

That's an incredibly high standard.

Jesus didn't love only when it was convenient. He loved completely, selflessly, and sacrificially.

A godly husband asks, "How can I serve my wife today?" instead of "What can she do for me?"

Scot has modeled this in countless ways over the years. Whether it's working long hours to provide for our family, helping around the house without being asked, supporting me through difficult seasons, or simply putting our needs ahead of his own, he's shown me that real love is found in sacrifice—not selfishness.

Real love gives.
Real love serves.
Real love protects.
Real love sacrifices.

Lead Her Spiritually

One of the greatest responsibilities a husband carries is setting the spiritual tone of his home.

That doesn't mean having all the answers or pretending to be perfect.

It means pursuing Christ first.

It means praying, opening God's Word, living it out, asking forgiveness when you've failed, and leading by example.

One of the things I've appreciated most about Scot is that our home has always been rooted in faith. Whether it was supporting our decision to homeschool, encouraging Tim in his walk with Christ, or reminding our family that God comes first, he's consistently pointed us toward Jesus instead of himself.

Honor Her Consistently

Respect isn't something reserved for church or when other people are watching.

It's shown in everyday conversations.

How you speak to your wife...
How you speak about your wife...
How you respond when you're frustrated...

Those moments reveal your heart.

I've never had to wonder if Scot respected me. Whether we're at home or out in public, he treats me with kindness, dignity, and love. That kind of consistency builds trust and strengthens a marriage.

Provide Faithfully

Providing is much more than bringing home a paycheck.

It's showing up every day with integrity.

It's carrying responsibility without complaining.

It's making sure your family knows they're loved and cared for.

For nearly twenty years, Scot has faithfully carried that responsibility. Through busy seasons, uncertain seasons, and seasons of blessing, he has worked hard to provide for our family. I don't take that for granted.

Listen Attentively

Listening is one of the greatest expressions of love.

A wise husband values his wife's heart, thoughts, burdens, and perspective.

Sometimes we don't need someone to fix our problems—we simply need someone to hear us.

I'm thankful that Scot has always been willing to listen, even when life gets busy. Feeling heard is one of the greatest gifts a spouse can give.

Protect Her Tenderly

Protection isn't about control.

It's about creating a place of safety.

A godly husband guards his wife emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

He doesn't use fear, manipulation, or intimidation.

He uses strength with gentleness.

I've always known Scot would stand between our family and anything that threatened us. His strength has never been about demanding authority—it has been about providing security, stability, and peace. That's the kind of protection God intended.

Christ Is the Standard

A godly husband does not rule through intimidation.

He doesn't lead by fear.

He doesn't demand submission while refusing sacrifice.

He leads through humility.

He leads through service.

He leads through love.

He leads by following Christ.

I know there are many women who long for this kind of marriage, and my heart truly goes out to them. No husband is perfect—Scot would be the first to tell you he isn't—but I thank God that he has always desired to become more like Jesus. That has made all the difference in our marriage.

As we approach twenty years together this November, I find myself more grateful than ever. God knew exactly who I needed. Scot has been my partner, my encourager, the father of our son, and one of God's greatest blessings in my life.

The world doesn't need more men who seek power.

It needs more men who seek Christ.

Because when a husband follows Jesus wholeheartedly, his family experiences the love of Christ through him.

And to my husband—thank you for loving me the way Christ has called you to. I thank God for you every single day.