How can we apply the principle of headship in our daily family life? Understanding biblical headship “But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:3) • Headship is God-designed order, not a statement of value. • Christ joyfully submits to the Father, showing that submission can coexist with equal worth (1 Corinthians 15:27-28). • The pattern carries into marriage: “For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is head of the church…” (Ephesians 5:23). The Trinity: our model • Father—origin and authority. • Son—glad, wholehearted submission (Philippians 2:5-8). • Spirit—empowering, spotlighting the Son (John 16:13-14). This harmony, never coercive, defines biblical headship. How headship functions in marriage Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 lay it out: • Husbands lead by loving, sacrificing, and protecting. • Wives respond with respectful, willing support. • Both pursue oneness, mirroring Christ and the church. Daily practices for husbands • Initiate family devotions; open Scripture together (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Set the spiritual climate—pray with wife and children. • Make decisions through servant leadership: listen first, then guide. • Provide and protect, emotionally as well as materially (1 Peter 3:7). • Model repentance; be quick to confess sin and ask forgiveness. • Cultivate your wife’s gifts—encourage her Proverbs 31 strengths. Daily practices for wives • Encourage your husband’s leadership with verbal support (Proverbs 31:26). • Pray for him aloud; that simple act affirms his role. • Offer counsel respectfully; he needs your insight (Genesis 2:18). • Carry out responsibilities with diligence and joy (Proverbs 31:13-27). • Display inner beauty of a gentle spirit (1 Peter 3:4). • Stand beside him publicly, discuss differences privately. Parenting in the flow of headship • Children learn obedience by watching mom and dad’s roles (Ephesians 6:1-4). • Dad sets direction; mom reinforces it with consistency. • United front prevents manipulation and brings security. Household decision-making rhythm 1. Gather facts together. 2. Pray. 3. Husband weighs input and decides. 4. Family trusts God’s order. 5. Husband owns outcomes—good or bad—and adjusts with humility. Facing cultural pushback • Respond with kindness, not defensiveness (Colossians 4:5-6). • Live such winsome marriages that critics notice the peace (1 Peter 2:12). • Keep Scripture as final authority, not shifting trends (Psalm 119:89). Fruit we can expect • Deeper marital unity and mutual delight. • Children who understand godly authority. • Homes marked by peace, stability, and gospel witness. |
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