To suggest that the husband has a leadership role in the marriage instantly causes tension. This flies in the face of everything our culture teaches. Here are three statements which we need to carefully consider. As a Christian, do you agree or disagree with this statement? “The head of every man is Christ.” If Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, then we should give a resounding, “Yes!” Even if a person is not a Christian, Christ is the King and reigns supreme over their life.
Now consider a second statement. Choose whether you agree or disagree. “The head of Christ is God.” Our hope is that again you would affirm this. God the Father has authority over God the Son, even though they are both fully God.
Here is one last statement. Agree or disagree? “The head of a wife is her husband.” This one feels more difficult, doesn’t it? Consider how God spoke through the Apostle Paul on these three matters:
But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. – 1 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV)
How can we affirm the first statement, “the head of every man is Christ,” and the last statement, “the head of Christ is God,” but deny the truth of one in the middle? We can’t have the two, without the one. Husbands are called to loving (not controlling), servant-leadership in family life. It is his most important ministry and calling.
