Main Scriptures: Ephesians 5:23
More Scriptures: 1Timothy 3:4, Luke 10:19, Num.30:13
For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head and Saviour of the Church, which is His body. (Ephesians 5:23)
As the head of your family, it is very important for you to understand that your headship comes with authority. And that authority in the context of your position as the good and godly husband is godly leadership and not rulership. So, you are not a dictator but a mentor. In leadership, you have willing followers, whose trust you have earned over time. But in rulership you have unwilling followers who are forced to do your bidding without any loyalty. As the good shepherd, God wants you to lead and guide your wife and children into His desires and plans, the same way Jesus Christ has led humanity to God by His crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension. Today, billions around the world have a model in Jesus and an authority to follow.
So, how do you exercise your authority as the head of the family? The first way is to take responsibility to be the pastor of your sheep. That requires you to learn about Jesus Christ and communicate the lessons to your sheep. In 1 Timothy chapter 3, the word of God attributed one of the virtues of authority to be effective leadership. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity. For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God (1Timothy 3:4-5). The second dimension of your authority is in intercession. You must take responsibility to pray for your wife and children. You must understand that you are the watchman over your wife and children. And you have the responsibility to be on guard for them. You have to set days out of your busy plan to pray for all aspect of your sheep’s’ lives-their past, present, future, health, career, marriage, emotions, relationships, finances. You have complained about your wife and children. Now is the time for you to take the battle to the enemy’s gate by the weapon of prayers.
There are two important truth you must hold dear to your heart as the head of your family. The first is that you hold your authority in trust for God. He made you the head of the family. If you abuse it, you may lose from both ends of the stick-you lose friendship with God and relationship with your sheep. Secondly, you must exercise your authority over your sheep in the love of Christ. Don’t rule them, lead them. Remember that you are like Christ to them. So, let them see that nature in you as you teach them, correct them and support them in all that they do. That is what makes you the good and godly man, husband and father. And that is what true leadership is and that what you sheep expects from you.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, have mercy upon me for misusing my authority as the head of my family.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, help me to use my leadership influence righteously in my sheepfold.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to lead my wife and children into Your desires.
FAITH CONFESSION
I have the mind of Christ, who has authority, and I walk in that light in my dealings with my wife and children because that is what makes me the good and godly husband in Jesus name. Amen.
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