Tangible Before Intangible

[S] 1 Timothy 3:5 --
  ⁵(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?)

[O] We serve a God who is not physical tangible but dwells in us spiritually and thus when we talk about serving Him, it can easily become theoretical and idealistic.  There is nothing wrong with that but if we only dwell on the theory of serving God then that could pose a problem because we will never apply into our lives to bring the results we desire in the first place based on the theory itself.  Now, that's pretty theoretical isn't it?  Well, digging deeper into this verse, I am quite challenged to live out my life as a husband and a father at my home foremost according to the principles God wrote out for me in the Bible.  Unless I can apply these at home, how will I be taking care of areas in my home church regardless of what I do?  Even if I could write books on how to be a godly husband and father, I must live it out myself to reflect the principles.

[A] As I read this passage, I am convicted to shift my fulcrum toward my family so that I may dedicate more of my thoughts and energy for my wife and children especially during this summer break for my children.  This will naturally translate into spending more time with them, but it must start with spending more of my heart to prepare and plan to spend that quality time with them.  I've been pre-occupied with organizing and leading the small group efforts for last 10 months and while I must continue to run that race, I have to balance my dedication to my own family just like how Paul explained in verse 5.

[P] Dear God, please continue to train me so I may apply Your wonderful principles into my life by migrating it 12 inches from my brain to my heart especially in the area of my family.  May Your name be lifted up in my family and may I be the one leading them by caring for them diligently.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.