Words of Wisdom

by Pastor Michael T. Keenan

August 2006

Building Godly Homes - Part V

Mark 3:25 " And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand."

God's Word is TRUTH.  We as His children need to make the changes in our lives and families to live up to the Truth of the Word of God.  If we desire God's blessings we must follow God's Word.

Husbands and wives must be in Absolute Agreement on some very important Bible issues:

I. Authority - see May '06 Article

II. Doctrine - see June '06 Article

III. Discipline - see July '06 Article

and this month we'll look at:

IV. Duties and Responsibilities of Husband and Wife and Father and Mother.

American Christian's homes in the 21st Century have strayed far from the "Old Paths" of Biblical homes.  Time and values in America may have changed, but Go and His Word have Not! (Heb 13:8)

The husband's responsibility, according to the Word of God, is to be the "Head" of the wife, Eph. 5:23-29.  I'd like to explain it as the man is to be God's "deputy" of the home.  He is to be in charge "As" the Lord is the head of the church.  Our Lord ministers to the church as Prophet, Priest and King.  Husbands and Fathers should "minister" in their homes as a Prophet, he watches out for the spiritual interests of those under him, wife and children.  He leads in family devotions, he teaches the Word and helps make practical everyday applications for living godly lives.  He does Not just pass this responsibility on to the Pastor or S.S. teachers etc.  He leads his family spiritually and by a good example.

The Father leads as a Priest (Heb. 7:25).  There must be much prayer for the members of a family; Salvation, Spiritual Growth, Education, Friendships, Service for the Lord, etc. and etc.!  The Father is also in charge as a King.  A King Rules and a good King Rules Well!!  Prov. 29:2 "When the Righteous are in Authority the people rejoice, BUT when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn.".  Sir, how are things at your house?  How are you and the wife getting along?  Rejoicing as you live the "Daily Grind" of life and live for and serve the Lord together? Are your children obedient with good attitudes and happy to be home with the family, not always looking to "go to the mall" etc.?  If things are not right, lets put the blame squarely when it belongs.   Husband, Dad, you are God's chosen one to lead your family "..in the way they should go.."  It's your responsibility.  The first step in "getting right" is to admit our guilt, where we've been wrong and repent and do right, according to the Scripture.

I personally believe the greatest responsibility I have before the Lord is to be the husband and father He desires me be be.  Love my wife AS Christ loved the church, unselfishly and compassionately and unconditionally!  Set a good godly example for my children and train and correct and instruct and discipline diligently and as Our Heavenly Father does us.  Eph. 6:4

It's of utmost importance that a husband and wife recognize and agree that this is God's design for the Husband and Father and then strive together to accomplish such by the Grace of God.  Next Month - The Wife and Mother's responsibilities.