Men, you need to exercise!

No, I’m not talking about your body, but the authority God has given you in the home. It is a spiritual authority, and it only works when you exercise it. It’s proper exercise will give protection, shelter, provision and a harmonious atmosphere in your home.

You are head of your household. God has made the appointing, so you can lead the way in the things of God. God has given you special insight and understanding commensurate with your position. You can see oppression and difficulties, you can effect successful change. In particular, He has placed boldness and courage in your heart to face and conquer devils, worldly pressures, strife head-on and conquer it, in order that your family may live in the love, peace and joy of God.

- Question: What are 3 points about a man’s authority in the home?
1) It is delegated authority from God, to protect your wife and family. Gen 3:16. You will answer to God for its proper use—or abuse! 1Cor 11:3.
2) Not as a tyrant, but as Christ loves the Church. Eph 5:25. As Christ served. John 14:15.
3) Your wife is a suitable helper for you, do not make decisions single-handedly! She knows more of what’s going on in the household than you do. Gen 2:18. She is an equal before God. Although as head of the household, it falls to you to make the 'final' decision. Your shoulders can bear the load of this responsibility, hers cannot.
- Oh, one more thing: your wife is a woman; she is like you (human), but also very different from you! She is a help mate especially created for you. She is very different in thinking, emotions, outlook, and priorities (did you notice?). She is more easily affected by life’s hazards. Live accordingly with her. She also puts up with you - need I say more? 1 Peter 3:7.

- Question: What are 3 steps a man can take toward his proper place in the home?
1 Humble yourself and submit to the Lordship of Jesus. Col 2:19.
2 Humble yourself and submit to the Lordship of Jesus. 1 Cor 11:3.
3 Humble yourself and submit to the Lordship of Jesus. Col 3 all.

- Question: How about 3 more steps?
1 Love your wife with total abandon! Eph 5:25-33, Col 3:19.
2 Do not crush your children’s spirits. Col 3:21, Eph 6:4.
3 Be courageous! Be dauntless! Fight the spiritual battle for your home! Eph 6:12-13.

We are of two minds concerning this decision.

One side of us says, " This is a good thing.  You're going to be studying the Word of God more often, and with other men who are seeking His will in their lives as men.  You'll get a good understanding from the book and from their insights as well.  Plus, you'll just plain get to know these guys better."

The other part of us raises an eyebrow and asks, " Come November, do you really think you'll have time for this, that with everything else that will be coming down on you?  Projects, paperwork, holiday shopping, et cetera?"

Thinking that this second part of us stems partly from a "still intimidated by the whole idea" mentality.  And we realize that it will be difficult, but will it be much more so if we use an hour or two each week to read the Bible, we'll be looking at an hour or two of the actual study?  Somehow. we think we'll be more productive, if we do so.  And of course, that leads to the other part of us, the soft flabby Christian who really doesn't wanna put in any effort to study God's word if we don't feel compelled to.  We can't stand that part of us.  You'd think we wouldn't listen to it as often as we do.