The Authority of Men

Many police cars have this slogan on the side of them: "To protect and to serve". The authority of a husband as the head of his home exists for the same two purposes. Righteous authority can only be used in this manner. Any other use of authority is abusive and self-serving.

The misuse of authority has led many women to flinch when the word "submission" is brought up. Today's women often view submission to men as an outdated and humiliating concept. Much of this response is due to the failure of men to be Christlike leaders in their homes.

Today's women often view submission to men as an outdated and humiliating concept. Much of this response is due to the failure of men to be Christlike leaders in their homes.

Let's go back to the two purposes of authority. One of the reasons God gives men the position as head of the home is to protect his wife. Let me give you an example of this in my own marriage. First of all, Karen is my equal. My authority as her husband isn't about domination or superiority. It's about protection.

Because of that, Karen and I never sit around talking about who is the boss. Our marriage and every good marriage thrives on cooperation and respect. So when do I use authority? I use it when I see Karen doing something that would put her at risk. An example is her back. She had an injury about fifteen years ago that led to a surgery. The only time you will ever see me being bossy with Karen is when I see her about to lift something that would damage her back. Men should protect their wives. The Bible uses the word "cherish" related to how husbands should love their wives. It means to protect from all harm.

The other purpose of authority is to serve. Jesus was a servant leader and taught us to be the same. Men should be the servant leader of the homes. This means two things. First of all it means that he is the loving initiator of the well being of the home — respecting his wife as his equal. Rather than being passive or dominant — a servant leader initiates discussions and actions related to such things as children, finances, spirituality and romance as he invites the advice and influence of his wife.

The second thing that a servant leader does is use his position to bring others to their highest potential. The Bible says a man should "nourish" his wife. The word nourish in that text means to "feed to maturity". A good husband is God's partner to bring his wife to the full purpose God created her for — which is always great. When a wife knows that her husband is her biggest fan and is there to promote and protect her — she's in heaven.

Maybe we need to make a sticker that husbands could wear on their foreheads saying, "To protect and to serve". I don't think it would go over too well, but it would be a good reminder of what God had in mind when he made us the head of the home.