Page 11 - November 2022 - Truth & Tidings

mandments of the Lord. The husband is The testimony in the home was to be
not asked to love his wife in the measure such that there would be no occasion or
that she is subject to him. The direct com- opportunity whereby the Word of God
mandment from the Lord is “Husbands, could be blasphemed. In 1 Timothy 5:14,
love your wives.” Similarly, the wife is not the role of the wife is to “guide the house.”
asked to be in subjection to her husband This expression entails the managing
in the measure that he demonstrates his and directing of household affairs and,
love to her. However, a right appreciation
for God’s order in the home will produce together with the expression “workers at
both love and subjection. home,” brings out the thought of diligence
In Ephesians 5:23, the husband is said in the home.
to be “the head of the wife.” This should If husbands and wives are to have a
be distinguished from the statement in 1 harmonious relationship between them-
Corinthians 11:3 where we read that “the selves and a healthy environment in the
head of the woman is the man.” The pas- home, there must be a ready recognition
sage in 1 Corinthians has to do primarily and appreciation for each other and the
with God’s order in creation which ought roles that God has graciously given each.
to be reflected in the Church. The Lord asked the question through
In 1Corinthians 11, while the creatorial the prophet Amos, “Can two walk to-

order is in view, we may see here too the gether, except they be agreed?” (3:3). This
submission of the wife to her husband. question can fittingly be asked in this most
As “the head of the woman,” he provides
spiritual leadership and direction, as does sacred of relationships. Peter speaks of
Christ for the Church. God holds the husband and wife being “heirs together
husband accountable for his family in of the grace of life” (1Pe 3:7). This refers
spiritual matters. In Ephesians 5:23, as to two believers who share equally in the
“the head of the wife,” he provides deliver- divine life bestowed through the grace of
ance. His role is to lead, guide, preserve, God. We must ever remember that while
protect, and care for her out of love for her. roles for each may be different the one
The role of the wife in the family unit from the other, husbands and wives are
is equally important. Paul wrote to Titus equal in their standing and spiritual posi-
of the need for sound doctrine both in tion before God.
the assembly and in the home. One of the Praying together is of vital importance
roles suggested there for older women in the marriage relationship. A wrong
is to teach younger married women. In perspective of each other’s value before
verses 4-5 of chapter 2 we are given details
as to the teaching that was to be com- the Lord, either in the spiritual standing
municated. Specifically, we learn that the of each or in the role assigned to each by
married woman is to be discreet as far as God, can be a hindrance to prayer and
others are concerned and devoted as far as disrupt the harmony in the home. A wrong
her husband and children are concerned. perspective of roles and responsibilities not
The expression “keepers at home” is re- only affects the relationship between hus-
ally the idea of being “workers at home.” band and wife but also affects the relation-
There is here also the idea of hospitality. ship and fellowship of each with God.

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