Men are given the most challenging, most accountable role in the household. Regardless of how the world promotes women as absolute equals or even having superior responsibilities, the bible speaks otherwise. This is in no way a claim to degrade a women's value nor to enthrone men to a seat to boast from. Man's leadership over the household is not one in which men are promoted to as a merit or something earned. It is strictly part of God's plan for family and not a position of choice (Gen. 2:18; 1 Cor. 11:8-9). In fact, if the position were of choice, a lot of men would cowardly reject it and turn to the women just as Barak when he acted cowardly in leading Israel against Sisera and the Canaanite army (Judg. 4:2-3,7-8). A lot of evidence to this point is made clear by the many single-parent homes lead by mothers today. However, what the bible commands is completely different. The man is commanded to uphold the highest level of integrity in the home. In this passage during the fall of mankind, this integrity is compromised by both parties. Though Eve sinned first, God didn't address them until Adam disobeyed. As the man, he was responsible for upholding the foundation God laid for the family. In the New Testament, husbands are told to live with their wives in an understanding way, as the weaker vessel,... so their prayers won't be hindered (1 Pet. 3:7). This passage is in reference to love towards the wife and not to undercut the man's authoritative power as many women use it. In Gen. 3:17, part of Adam's disobedience was charged from him "listening to his wife." The difference between these two passages is that even though man is commanded to understand his wife, that understanding is never permitted to supercede God's Word and that he is ultimately responsible for the overall decision. The purpose for men is also to love and teach your wives(Eph.5:25-29), provide for your family (1 Tim. 5:8, 2 Cor. 12:14), train and discipline your children (Eph. 6:4, Prov. 22:6) and protect your family (Jn. 15:13). Men, if you want your house to be Christ-saturated,SET THE STANDARD! (Josh. 24:15) In doing so, your home can be fruitful (Ps. 128). So follow God, take the lead, and BE THE MAN.
God Bless
1) Have you accepted the reality of your role to lead or are you running from the responsibility?
2) Do you realize the importance of your standard and the affect it has on the household?
3) What examples are you setting to communicate this standard to your family?
Lord I thank you for my family. Forgive me if I have compromised my standard as a leader. Help me to use the courage you give us as believers to establish our home in the faith and build on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment