Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, the role of a husband is both a profound responsibility and a sacred calling. Scripture provides guidance on how husbands are to conduct themselves, ensuring that their duties to their wives and families do not interfere with their ultimate allegiance to Christ.Primary Allegiance to Christ The Bible emphasizes that a believer's primary allegiance is to Christ. In Matthew 10:37 , Jesus states, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." This principle extends to the marital relationship, where a husband's love for Christ must supersede all other affections. This does not diminish the love and commitment owed to one's spouse but rather places it within the context of a higher divine order. Love and Sacrifice Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This command calls husbands to a sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's love for the church. Such love is selfless and prioritizes the spiritual and emotional well-being of the wife. However, this duty must be balanced with the husband's commitment to Christ, ensuring that his love for his wife does not lead him away from his spiritual responsibilities. Spiritual Leadership Husbands are called to be spiritual leaders within their families. Ephesians 5:23 states, "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior." This leadership is not authoritarian but is characterized by service, guidance, and nurturing the family's faith. A husband's leadership should encourage his family to grow in their relationship with Christ, aligning with his own commitment to follow Jesus. Avoiding Idolatry A husband's devotion to his wife must not become idolatrous. Colossians 3:2 advises, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." While the marital relationship is deeply important, it should not overshadow a husband's devotion to God. The danger of idolatry arises when any earthly relationship or duty takes precedence over one's relationship with Christ. Balancing Responsibilities 1 Corinthians 7:32-34 highlights the tension between marital duties and devotion to the Lord: "I want you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, and his interests are divided." This passage acknowledges the divided interests of a married man but encourages husbands to maintain a focus on their spiritual duties. Prayer and Discernment To ensure that their duties as husbands do not interfere with their duties to Christ, men are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer and discernment. James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Through prayer, husbands can seek guidance on how to balance their responsibilities effectively. In summary, the duties of a husband are to be carried out with a heart fully devoted to Christ. By prioritizing their relationship with the Lord, husbands can fulfill their marital roles in a manner that honors both their wives and their Savior. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 14:26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 19:29 Library Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties. Paul in Corinth. Of Civil Government. Third Sunday after Easter Gambling, Card-Playing The Raising of the Dead. The Evolution of Early Congregationalism the Stone which the ... A Case of Conscience Resolved Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Christian Behavior Resources What does the Bible say about being a Christian wife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about an unhappy marriage? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about women pastors? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Husbands: Duties of, not to Interfere With Their Duties to Christ Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: Not to Leave Them, Though Unbelieving Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To be Faithful to Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Comfort Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Consult With Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Dwell With Them for Life Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Love Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Regard Them As Themselves Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Respect Them Husbands: Have Authority Over Their Wives Husbands: should Have But One Wife Related Terms |