"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." KJV
After addressing wives previously, husbands are to be in the same way in character. The consideration that the husband has for his wife is also submitting to the example of Jesus Christ. This involves submission to the will of the Father. We know that Jesus desired two things on the earth - to glorify His Father in heaven and to love His own so that they would be cared for. Jesus was committed to providing salvation because that brought more glory to God.
In marriage vows the words "Till death us do part" are more than a just a phrase. It is a determined commitment that makes for a happy marriage. It is an expression of commitment through all the joys and sorrows of marriage. That commitment is the will of the Father as the example of Christ.
The Lord has desired the husband be the head of the house for the sake of harmony and peace. It is a role within a relationship to express love, care, and protection. You can be sure that Satan will tempt man to lord it over his wife or for the wife to be tempted to lord it over her husband to discredit the plan of God in a Christian marriage. It is easy to fall into the temptation to rule instead of lead.
Jesus washed His disciple's feet as a demonstration of leadership. "You call me Teacher and Lord and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:13-15)
Just as fathers provide an important balance in the home, if done with love and reliance on God, so do roles as a husband to love, lead, and care for his wife. It is a spiritual obligation that we do not make decisions selfishly. It is submission of my rights to God, asking direction from God, involving my spouse in matters that are of importance and making decisions with the family’s good in mind.
Christian marriage maintains that each gender, for the most part, has different roles to play in their relationship. A husband is considered to have the God-given responsibility to provide for, protect, and lead his family, while a wife is to collaborate with her husband, respect, and support him as his helper in managing the household and providing nurturing of young children.
Application: We have responsibilities as husbands. I believe it is to provide loving leadership to wives as a ministry to the Lord.
Prayer: Father, work in me that all my tasks will serve as opportunities for spiritual growth as I look to Your design for marriage.
