Lordship of Christ – The Family?!?!

We have established the principle of Christ’s Lordship over every area of life. We also learned that the Bible- God’s Word- is the only guide for those who seek to follow Christ and apply His Lordship in our daily lives. Please don’t lose sight of the fact that all of this is to be applied in a culture that is opposed to Christ’s reign over creation. But remember that as Christ-followers, “we are not to be conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we might prove what is the perfect will of God.” Great! Let’s get started!Our culture is in the process of redefining “family.” TV shows provide guidance concerning the relationship among the parents/spouses (etc ?!?!). Oprah and Dr. Phil are the experts concerning relationships; discipline; communication and finances. Movie stars and singers are role models. I remember being in the home of a well-meaning mother who proudly told me about raising her child according to Spock as he totally and thoroughly destroyed any attempt at adult conversation by freely expressing himself. If I had been quick enough- I would have said, “Ah, another Star Trek fan” and given the Vulcan hand sign. The wisdom they share must be fantastic because divorce lawyers, child counselors, and day cares are making “big bucks!” I must be in the wrong occupation. Bummer!

I forgot to mention all the self-image propaganda floating around. We are more concerned about self-actualization than self-discipline and responsibility. Children grow up thinking that “everybody gets a trophy because we don’t want anyone’s feelings to get hurt.” It is almost as if the goal of parenting is to prepare the road for the child then the child for the road.” At the same time, they are taught that they descended from animals. I can hear it now- “Who am I? Am I a god or an ape?”

In the midst of the chaos, Christ has the answer. He is Lord of creation and his Word is our guide. It is God who established the family which is the basic unit in society. When the family crumbles, the culture falls apart. Well what are we going to do about it? What do you mean “we?” I mean “us!” Think about this: “it is a sin for Christians not to allow non-Christians the privilege of living in a Christian culture.” Christ is Lord and our call is to apply the truth of God’s Word to daily life. Therefore, here goes-

Let’s begin with the adults. According to the Word of God, marriage is the covenantal union between a man and a woman in which there is equality (remember Eve was created from Adam’s rib) as individuals but not interchangeability in roles and responsibilities. The man is to love his wife as Jesus Christ loves the church (guys, Jesus loved the church so much that he died for it- how are you doing?). The woman is to respect her husband and to submit to him. In fact, the greatest gift a wife can give her husband is to “voluntarily place herself under his authority.” Love, respect and submit are all commands, not suggestions or requests. The specifics in working this out are determined by personal gifts, talents, abilities, and interests.

Man’s leadership as husband and father is described as “servant leadership.” This was exemplified by Jesus Christ as He washed the feet of His disciples and as He gave His life for His people. A good leader, leads for the benefit of those under His care. A wise leader listens to the input of his “helper fit for him”- that one given to him to make him complete . The idea of helper doesn’t refer to her inferiority (which she isn’t), but his inadequacy. The helper makes the leader complete.

Together they are a unit which, working side-by-side under the guidance of Scripture, seeks to navigate its way through the challenges of life in such a way that Christ’s Lordship is lived out in a tangible and visible way. Their goal is to glorify their Lord! Their motivation is their love for Christ.

Don’t believe me. Look it up- Gen. 1:26-31; 2:18-25; Eccl. 4:9-12; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-19; 1 Pet. 3:1-8. Have fun. See ya!

(This is a repeat of an earlier article. We will continue our series on “Marks of the Christian Mind” next week.)