Our Homes Need Christian Husbands

Barry Grider (Dalton, GA)

Our Homes Need Christian Husbands Barry Grider (Dalton, GA) In the home, as in all of life, husbands should follow the example of Christ. Jesus’ love for His bride, the church, is extraordinarily beautiful. Paul writes about this divine relationship in Ephesians 5:21-33. At the same time, he compares the relationship between husband and wife with that of Christ and the church. Three lessons come to mind as we consider the passage. First, a husband must be willing to leave. “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh” (Eph. 5:31). This same admonition was given to man at creation (Gen. 2:24) and will continue until the end of time. Often in a wedding ceremony, a minister may call upon us, not only to leave father and mother, but to forsake all others. No relationship, with the exception of God, should supersede the relationship a man has with his wife. Children, friends, or business associates should never be placed above her. Her feelings, desires, and needs should become his own. Second, a husband must be willing to lead. God has placed headship in the home with the husband. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body” (Eph. 5:23). God demands order for the stability of society. Someone must be the final authority in making decisions. Because man is to be the leader in the home, this does not make the woman inferior, any more than Christ is inferior to the Father (1 Cor. 11:3); it just means that the husband is to be the head. How sad today to see so many delinquent husbands and fathers who can neither make proper decisions nor take the spiritual lead in their homes. Third, a husband must be willing to love. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph. 5:25). What an amazing love was the love of Jesus! He willingly laid down His life for His bride (Acts 20:28). No less is expected of a husband. To some, love is just a mushy feeling or an inexpressible emotion. However, love is commanded of God. A husband has no option but to love his wife. When a man properly loves his wife, he will go far in winning her praise and admiration and will help provide a place of warmth for his entire family. Each young man contemplating marriage should consider this divine arrangement through a careful study of God’s Word. If the principles contained therein are followed, he will cause his bride to be a most joyous young lady. In turn, he will find his home to be satisfying, peaceful, and truly a foretaste of heaven above. That has been God’s desire all along.

 Bulletin Article