A PROPER VIEW OF HEADSHIP

The second important principle is recognition of headship. Paul described the proper order of things when he said:  "I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man; in turn the head of the Christ is God." (1 Corinthians 11:3)  This means that a man takes the lead in the family, his wife is loyally supportive, and the children are obedient to their parents.  (Ephesians 5:22-25, 28-33; 6:1-4)  Notice, though, that headship leads to happiness only when it is handled in a proper way.  Husbands  who live with godly devotion know that headship is not dictatorship.    They imitate Jesus, their Head. Although Jesus was to be "head over all things," he "came, not to be ministered to, but to minister."  (Ephesians 1:22; Matthew 20:28) In a similar way, a Christian  man exercises headship, not to benefit himself, but to care for the interests of his wife and children. -1 Corinthians 13:4-5. 

For her part, the wife who lives with godly devotion does not compete with or seek to dominate her husband.  She is happy to be supportive of him and to work with him.  The Bible sometimes speaks of the wife being  "owned" by her husband, leaving no doubt that he is her head. (Genesis 20:3) Through marriage she comes under "the law of her husband." (Romans 7:2) At the same time, the Bible calls her a "helper" and a "complement." (Genesis 2:20) She supplies qualities and abilities that her husband lacks, and she gives him needed support. (Proverbs 31:10-31) The Bible also says that a wife is a "partner," one who works side by side with her mate.  (Malachi 2:14)  (which is a man, men and women only should be married with each other. God's Words) These Scriptural principles help a husband and wife to appreciate each other's position and to treat each other with proper respect and dignity. 

Next time: "BE SWIFT ABOUT HEARING"

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996