3.23.2006
Who wears the spiritual pants?
What does spiritual leadership/headship look like in a marriage? Ian and I were trying to figure this out last night. What is the man's role, and what is the woman's role? Obviously, the woman doesn't just sit by and let the guy be the spiritual one, and do nothing. But I think there is a difference in the roles; it's not exactly equal. Those of you who are married, what have you experienced in your marriages? Those who are unmarried, what are your thoughts on it, and what have you seen in your parents?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I like your bit about different perspectives. I think that is key: two heads are better than one, you know? Also, a wise person once told me "your hunger is more challenging than your knowledge." Someone I really consider a leader challenges me because he/she has such a hunger for God.
You know that volumes have been written on this subject, some good some good for nothing. Anyway, here are a few random thoughts to throw around that will hopefully keep your discussion going.
First, marriage is not a competition, we are equal in that we are all created in the image of God which gives us worth, value, spirit, conscious, imagination and creativity and connection with God, Father, Creator and all the other things that set us apart from the animals. But God in His infinite wisdom also created us male and female and gave us complimentary and different roles, skills, needs and desires. God ordained marriage so that, we could each bring our unique gifting, talents, personalities and such into a relationship that He directs in order that it will bring glory to His Name.
When we start talking about spiritual headship, I think it would be time well spent to reflect upon Christ as head of the Church as that is the comparison that Scripture makes most clear in Eph. 5:25-30. I as a husband am to love Anne as Christ loves the church, that is a huge imperative! How can I do that, outside of Christ’s empowering? So, how does Christ love the church is a good place to start as I examine my marital relationship.
He gave Himself for it that the church might be holy and blameless. Obedience for me means loving Anne the way Christ loved the Church. I must also pursue my own joy in the holy joy of Anne (vs. 28), that is, I need to devote the same energy and time and creativity to making Anne happy that I devote naturally to making myself happy. The result will be that in doing this they will make themselves happy. For he who loves his wife loves himself. If I live for my own private pleasure at the expense of Anne’s then I am living against myself and destroying our joy. But if I devote myself with all my heart to the holy joy of Anne, I will also be living for my joy and making a marriage after the image of Christ and His church. This is what God intended for marriage: Put the glory of Christ on display by pursing your joy in the holy joy of your beloved. In this Christ is glorified and that is our cheif aim: to Glorify God in all things.
Well there are some thoughts and I must give due credit to John Piper for shaping some of my thinking. I just wish I could do this perfectly all the time but by God’s grace I do get it right occasionally.
I came across this today in my reading and thot it might add to the discussion.
Again, from John Piper and i quote:
While man and woman are equally valuable in God's image, and while both of them have essential and satisfying roles to play in the drama of God-exalting human life, nevertheless men bear a primary (not solitary) responsibility for leadership and protection and provision in the human race. Therefore they bear a representative role when it comes to accountability (Gen 3:9, Rom 5:12-14). This unique calling is a responsibility to bear in sacrificial love, not a right to seize in dominating power. Where it is embraced with servantlike, Christ-honoring courage, and supported by women with faith-filled, fearless, intelligent joy, the best harmony of man and woman prevails.
Have fun
Post a Comment