"Become Imitators of God" in Your Use of Power - Within the Family

Consider first the family circle.  "A husband is head of his wife," says Ephesians 5:23.  How is a husband to exercise his God-given authority?  The Bible tells husbands to dwell with their wives "according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel."  (1 Peter 3:7)  The Greek noun rendered "honor" means "price, value, . . . respect."  Forms of this word are translated "gifts" and "precious."  (Acts 28:10; 1 Peter 2:7)   A husband who honors his wife would never assault her physically; neither would he humiliate or disparage her,  causing her to feel worthless.  Rather, he recognizes her value and treats her with respect.  He  shows by his words and deeds-in private and in public-that she is precious to him. (Proverbs 31:28)  Such a husband gains not only his wife's love and respect but, more important, God's approval.

Wives too have a measure of power in the family.  The Bible tells of godly women who, within the framework of proper headship, took the initiative to influence their husbands in a positive way or help them avoid errors in judgment.  (Genesis 21:9-12; 27:46-28:2) A wife may have a keener mind than her husband has, or she may have other abilities that he does not have.  Yet, she is to have "deep respect" for her husband to "be in subjection" to him "as to the Lord."  (Ephesians 5:22. 23)  Thinking in terms of pleasing God can help a wife  to use her abilities to support her husband rather than belittling him or trying to dominate him.  Such a "truly wise woman" cooperates closely with her husband to build up the family. She thereby maintains peace with God. -Proverbs 14:1. 

Parents also have authority granted by them by God.  The Bible admonishes:  "Fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah."  (Ephesians 6:4) In the Bible, the word "discipline" can mean "upbringing, training, instruction."  Children need discipline; they thrive under clear-cut guidelines, boundaries, and limits.  The Bible associates such discipline, or instruction, with love.  (Proverbs 13:24)  Therefore, "the rod of discipline" should never be abusive-emotionally or physically.  (Proverbs 22:15; 29:15)  Discipline that is rigid or harsh with no sense of love is an abuse of parental authority and can crush a child's spirit.  (Colossians 3:21)  on the other hand, balanced discipline that is properly administered conveys to children that their parents love them and care about the kind of person they are becoming. 

What about children?  How can they use their power aright?  "The beauty of young men is their power," says Proverbs 20:29. Surely there is no finer way  for younger people to use their strength and vigor than in serving our "Grand Creator."  (Ecclesiastes 12:1)  Young ones do well to remember that their actions  can affect the feelings of their parents.  (Proverbs 23:24, 25)  When children obey their God-fearing parents and hold to a right course, they bring joy to their parents' hearts.  (Ephesians 6:1)  Such conduct is "well-pleasing in the Lord." -Colossians 3:20. 

Next time: "Become Imitators of God" in Your Use of Power - Within the Congregation

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah