The Role of the Husband
The husband’s role is essential to the overall welfare of the family unit. In most churches today, women make up nearly 70% of the congregations. That tells us that there is a tremendous deficit in men taking their places as spiritual leaders in the home.
1 Corinthians 11:3 says, “But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ and the head of the woman is the man and the head of Christ is God.” The word “head” in this verse means “chief master and teacher.” This does not mean that a woman is less valuable nor does it give license to men to mistreat their wives. It is simply describing God’s perfect will for authority in the marriage relationship and home. In God’s perfect scenario husbands would be learning from Christ; taking His example in all things so the husband could in turn teach his wife and family to do the same. If husbands would be more Christ-like then marriages would flourish and children would grow up in peace rather than strife. 1 Peter 3:7 says, “Likewise, you husbands dwell with your wives ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE, GIVING HONOR TO THE WIFE…” Notice again that the duty to lead in things pertaining to God belongs to the husband. It also tells us exactly how to do that: Honor your wife!
A husband should be leading the way in prayer, church attendance, giving, serving, and Bible study. Too often the wife is the leader in these things. Praise the Lord for faithful mothers and grandmothers but greater results are available when men take the lead in spiritual matters. Children would be much more apt to succeed in life had they had a godly man leading their family.
Now if the husband is the “chief master and teacher” of the home then that means they should take the lead in all things spiritual. This includes peace keeping and forgiveness. Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it.” How exactly did Christ love us? He made peace with us even though we were the ones in the wrong. Christ is the ultimate Peacemaker. Husbands that are going to live like Christ must be prepared to make peace with their wives regardless of how right you think you are. A Christ-like husband will take the blame to create peace in the home. The husband must be first in apologizing and letting things go.
James 3:16 says, “For where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work.” Seldom do we realize all the areas of life that are affected by strife. Strife will affect your health, finances, and mental stability. Notice it says “every evil work” is present when strife is allowed to remain. Husbands you must diffuse this threat. Be the first to apologize. Consider your wife first. Refuse to retaliate in anger. Lead with patience and tenderheartedness. It’s a big assignment but well worth the rewards.
Pastor Tim
Family Church Jamestown is a non-denominational church located in Chautauqua County in Jamestown between Lakewood and Busti, NY. The senior pastor of Family Church is Pastor Tim Stahlman a native to the Jamestown, NY area.
