Some thoughts on Biblical submission and headship:
There are some very dangerous and unscriptural thoughts
regarding submission that I have witnessed/heard over the years, and have been
greatly disturbed by of recent days. Many men, and preachers, have taught and
practiced that the woman is supposed to submit to the man; and by submit they
mean that the woman is to agree with and obey the man in everything, following
him without question, without any objection or disagreement, even without
sharing her thoughts, beliefs or opinions.
When it comes to the subject of headship, men have once again erred and believed and taught that God’s placing them as the head of the home means that they are “large and in charge”, that they are in power over those in the their home and that everyone under their roof must agree with them in everything – or else!
Sadly, many well-meaning, Christian women have believed these lies. Sadder still, many Christian young men are growing up to treat their wives, and women in general, in accordance with these lies, which is nothing short of abuse. (Look up the definition of the word.)
For the record, the very word submission suggests a difference of desire, belief or opinion. Where there is agreement, we do not speak of submission, but unity. The Biblical definition of submission (the definition we see exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ) is a yielding of one’s desire to the desires and/or leading of another. Submission is not agreement, it is yielding.
Biblical headship is meek, humble, leading by serving. I will continue to proclaim the truth of authority/headship: The reality of authority is that it is a responsibility to serve. The Biblical man will always seek, listen to and respect his wife’s desires, thoughts and opinions, taking them under consideration in everything he leads his family to do. True headship will always do what is in the best interest (according to God’s Word) of those under its authority, and do so with love and compassion.
Yes, I believe that the wife is to submit to her husband. I believe that the man is the head of the home. But what is most important before these is that I know and believe God’s definition of submission and headship, and practice them accordingly. Man’s definition of these two subjects leads to abuse, and has brought much misery to marriages and homes. No man, who does not understand, believe and accept God’s definition of these two subjects, is fit for the role of husband, father or leader in any capacity.
Much more could be said; this is sufficient for my purpose at this time.
Paul
When it comes to the subject of headship, men have once again erred and believed and taught that God’s placing them as the head of the home means that they are “large and in charge”, that they are in power over those in the their home and that everyone under their roof must agree with them in everything – or else!
Sadly, many well-meaning, Christian women have believed these lies. Sadder still, many Christian young men are growing up to treat their wives, and women in general, in accordance with these lies, which is nothing short of abuse. (Look up the definition of the word.)
For the record, the very word submission suggests a difference of desire, belief or opinion. Where there is agreement, we do not speak of submission, but unity. The Biblical definition of submission (the definition we see exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ) is a yielding of one’s desire to the desires and/or leading of another. Submission is not agreement, it is yielding.
Biblical headship is meek, humble, leading by serving. I will continue to proclaim the truth of authority/headship: The reality of authority is that it is a responsibility to serve. The Biblical man will always seek, listen to and respect his wife’s desires, thoughts and opinions, taking them under consideration in everything he leads his family to do. True headship will always do what is in the best interest (according to God’s Word) of those under its authority, and do so with love and compassion.
Yes, I believe that the wife is to submit to her husband. I believe that the man is the head of the home. But what is most important before these is that I know and believe God’s definition of submission and headship, and practice them accordingly. Man’s definition of these two subjects leads to abuse, and has brought much misery to marriages and homes. No man, who does not understand, believe and accept God’s definition of these two subjects, is fit for the role of husband, father or leader in any capacity.
Much more could be said; this is sufficient for my purpose at this time.
Paul
