The family is an institution ordained by God. In fact, it is the oldest of any earthly institution and therefore is at the foundation of society. Without the family unit, society will fall. God designed the family for His glory and for our benefit.
The biblical blueprint of a family will be different to the norm of the world (which is continually corrupting the family unit) and at times will be openly criticised. However, the Lord is clear concerning what He intends in a family. Every member has a specific role to play that reflects a God glorifying home. Of course, each member of a family is equal in their worth and value to God. All of them have been created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27) and all have and will continue to be used of God in proclaiming the gospel. All members are equal in this sense, however, in God’s design they have all been given different roles. We are briefly going to introduce these roles, and later in the future will return to these individually and look at them a bit closer.
A Word to the Wives
In a family that glorifies God, what is the wife’s role? Colossians 3:18 simply says, “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” The wife’s submission to her husband is a reflection of her submission to the Lord (see Eph. 5:22-24). Stated in the simplest way: the wife is to willingly submit to her husband as the church submits to Christ.
A Word to the Husbands
What about the husbands? They are commanded, “love your wives, and do not be harsh with them” (Col. 3:19). Do they get off easy? No, because Ephesians 5:25-28 reveals what this love looks like. It is the very love our Lord displayed towards to His church. A godly husband will love his wife with a sacrificial and sanctifying love that points to Christ. A Word to the Children If the Lord blesses a couple with children, it is required of their young ones to, “obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord” (Col. 3:20). This means they are to do what they are told and respect those who raise them.
A Word to the Fathers
Father’s are commanded to “not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Col. 3:21). The father is not to be harsh, but to skillfully and consistently raise their children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).
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One Comment
Stu
Thanks Andrew for this concise introduction into how God sees the family unit. I must say as a husband and father I am completely humbled and honoured in striving to be a godly example, whilst at the same time being very overwhelmed with the sense of responsibility and job at hand. Talk about needing to humble ourselves before the Christ EVERY day!! Thank God that a) I have a wife that shares the views you have outlined and is an amazing and supportive influence in my life and the lives of our children and b) God oversees the growth of not only my life , but that of my family. The responsibility of raising kids to honour and seek God is a huge, yet daunting, privilege and blessing, however it’s reassuring to remind ourselves as we seek to honour God that He is the one who will work in their hearts. Despite our mistakes, God will be the one that will, by His mercy, choose save to them. Might be good to write a blog on this 🙂 I think a lot of parents woudl appreciate it.
One more thing. I think with our culture (even church culture) grossly distorting the “complimentarian” view the Bible clearly teaches, it robs the beauty of a godly and influential woman, let alone distorts how they can effectively lead and build up those around them to Christ. When both men and women respect and support their God given roles and responsibilities there will always be greater harmony and cohesion within the family unit and church… which in turn honours and glorifies Christ all the more!