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Are You A Family Shepherd?

Gen 2:23-24, 23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

As I look at many homes among the larger body of Christ, I see too many men abdicating their responsibility to shepherd their families. The world has a narrative that calls for egalitarianism, which says that the role of women in the home and the church is exactly the same as the role of men. The complementarian position is that men and women are equal in value, but not equal in leadership both in the home and in the church. Men are to shepherd their homes, and chosen men (not all men) are to be pastors and elders of the church. However, we see the authority of God in the opening pages of Genesis, with Adam naming his wife woman, showing his authority in the home. This comes just on the tail of Adam naming the animals, showing his authority over the animal kingdom (Gen 2:21-24). Women are to be cherished in the home and the church, and their gifts used in both spheres for the glory of God. However, God is a God of order and humanity cannot improve upon God’s blueprint for the home or the church. When Adam and Eve sinned, why did God ask, “Adam, where are you“, even though they both sinned? God knocked on the door of the house and asked for the man, the head, of the house to give an account for his family.

As men lead, the women and children follow godly leadership. Charles Hodge stated, “The head of the family, should be able to read the Scriptures as well as to lead in the prayer. . . . All persons subject to the watch or care of the Church should be required to maintain in their households this stated worship of God.” God blesses men that lead their homes. Psa 128 speaks on the blessing of God given as men biblically shepherd their families. We see the who, what, when, where, and how, all stemming from a God-fearing man.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.” (Ps 128:3–4)

Soli Deo Gloria: Men you are the leader of your home, the only question remains is, are you a good leader or a bad one? Do not be passive in leading your home, follow God’s blueprints, which no man can improve upon.