| From
the Church on the Hill
by D. Eric Williams Pastor, Cottonwood Community Church pastor@CottonwoodCommunityChurch.org For instance, men of Christ, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish (Eph 5:25-27). This passage tells us a husband’s love is defined as service and “the husband’s evidence of love is his wise and loving government of his household” (R.J. Rushdoony, The Institutes Of Biblical Law, 338). This is in imitation of Jesus Christ. In fact, as we see in Ephesians chapter five, the work of the man of Christ is compared to the redemptive work of Jesus. And it has a similar outcome; enabling a man’s wife to be the pure, glorious, fulfilled helpmeet she is meant to be. As strange as it may seem to us, this is where societal healing begins. Until men of Christ understand this is their primary calling, we will not see lasting change in the Church or community. But, can it be that this simple, very specific issue, is at the root of the problems we encounter in the familial, ecclesiastical and civic realms? I am not suggesting every other problem we deal with will suddenly disappear when men of Christ learn to love their wives. I am saying we cannot adequately address the other issues in life until this foundational matter is properly addressed. I began this series by saying that “most of the problems in this nation can be traced back to one source: the failure of Christian men to lead.” And this is where leadership begins. Thus, Christian men must first and foremost love their wives. Only then will we have strong Christian homes, producing vigorous Christians who do good work for Christ in their spheres of influence. I am not suggesting a man of Christ can ignore his other responsibilities. If he fails to discipline his children, to work hard at his job, bring home the bacon and so on, he is not doing what Jesus would do - and he is not really loving his wife. The men of Issachar understood the times and knew what to do. Men of Christ must do the same. The times we live in demand a strong Church, strong families and strong community leadership. At the root of all this is the man of Christ loving his wife through self sacrificial service. Contrary to what many men believe, loving leadership requires strength and courage. It is not a job for effete men. If you think otherwise, read the Gospels - with understanding. The Bible presents Jesus as a warrior, a divine knight battling and vanquishing sin and death for the glory of God and the love of his Bride. Men of Christ, go and do likewise. |
 |