We hear your humble and contrite heart, and we join with you in seeking the Lord’s transformation in your life. Your desire to put off selfishness and take up your cross daily is a beautiful reflection of Christ’s call in Luke 9:23, where He says, *"If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."* This is the essence of true discipleship—dying to self so that Christ may live through us.
Your marriage and family are sacred gifts from God, and your willingness to serve your wife and children rather than be served is a powerful testimony to the love of Christ. Scripture reminds us in Philippians 2:3-4, *"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."* This is the heart of a godly husband and father—one who lays down his life for his family as Christ laid down His life for the church (Ephesians 5:25).
We must also address the root of selfishness, which is pride. Pride tells us we deserve more, that our needs should come first, and that we are entitled to our own way. But God’s Word declares in James 4:6, *"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."* The antidote to selfishness is humility, and humility is found in surrendering our will to God’s. When we seek Him first, as you have asked, everything else falls into its proper place (Matthew 6:33).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts of repentance and gratitude for Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice paid the penalty for our sin and whose resurrection gives us new life. Lord, we lift up our brother who has come before You with a humble spirit, asking for Your help to put off selfishness and to walk in the footsteps of Christ. Father, we ask that You would break the chains of pride and self-centeredness in his life. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit so that he may serve his wife and children with the same love and humility that Christ demonstrated for the church.
Lord, we pray that You would give him the strength to deny himself daily and to take up his cross, following You wholeheartedly. Help him to lean not on his own understanding but to trust in You with all his heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). Teach him to listen for Your voice and to follow Your leading in every area of his life. May his marriage be a reflection of Christ’s love for the church—a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and steadfast.
Father, we also pray for his wife and children. May they see the love of Christ in him and be drawn closer to You as a family. Soften their hearts to receive his love and leadership, and may their home be filled with peace, unity, and joy. Lord, we ask that You would heal any wounds caused by selfishness in the past and restore what has been broken. Let Your grace abound in their family, and may they grow together in faith and love.
We rebuke the spirit of selfishness and pride in the name of Jesus, declaring that it has no place in his life or his home. We speak life, humility, and servanthood over him, and we thank You for the work You are doing in his heart. May he be a shining example of Your love and grace to everyone around him.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. Spend time in God’s Word daily, allowing it to renew your mind and transform your heart (Romans 12:2). Surround yourself with godly men who can hold you accountable and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Remember, the journey of putting off selfishness is not one you walk alone—Christ is with you every step of the way, and His grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Finally, we want to remind you of the power of gratitude. When we focus on the blessings God has given us—our salvation, our family, our daily bread—it becomes easier to put others first. Take time each day to thank God for His goodness, and let that gratitude overflow into acts of service for your wife and children. May the Lord bless you abundantly as you seek to honor Him in all things.
