For a little over 6 years I've been at the front of guiding an organization that has helped families all over Virginia get the expensive help they could never pay for. At least once a month, I hear the theoretical slogans about being husband; which lately have been accompanied by the other theoretical slogans about being a father...and how I'm doing such a bang up job. Primarily, because of these two things I've received some pretty flattering comments from those close and not so close to my situations. And I can't lie, it makes me feel pretty good knowing that people even think so highly of me. Yet I don't allow those feelings to go past a minute of consideration; for in reality, all I do is take orders.
Don't let the men's ministry fool you; the 'priest of the home' is an outdated policy and the 'head of the family' notion is only fluff. I mean, whoever heard of a priest having to run out the holy place to get his own sacrifice? And honestly, the body part I most identify with these days wouldn't at all be the head; it's more likely to be the elbow. Besides, the 'priest of the home' piece is actually a Christian assumption and is not literally translated anywhere in the Bible. And I think it's worthy to note that the apostle Paul, who wrote Ephesians 5:23 (for the husband is the head of the wife...), was never married. Good for me though, because it appears I'm right in line. Because Jesus Christ gives a more accurate perspective in leadership, whether in the family or otherwise, in a very unpopular fashion; stating that whoever wants to be the head honcho needs to do some slave time (Matthew 20:26, 27).
Not what we picture when we get fed that movie tale about being this mighty man of God who protects their family is it? That could be because even ministers of the ultimate truth also have the tendency to romanticize a little. Yet consider the source of these statements in the Gospel of Matthew. Additionally, Jesus - the Savior of the planet and the most powerful being of that time and today, follows up His thoughts on real leadership by liking it to Himself...telling that this kind of humility matches the type displayed by Himself for the benefit of millions (Matthew 20:28). These facts then should cause us as husbands, managers, and other titles-holders to cautiously evaluate our leadership styles and our passion. Because Jesus' leadership style moved Him to constantly teach people who sparsely listened (Luke 9:41). It had Him pay the taxes for people and to people He didn't owe (Matthew 17:24-27). It lead Him to support nervous followers financially for about 3 years (Luke 5:1-11). And most of all, it drove Him to willingly take extreme abuse to the point of death...even for the people that beat Him (John 3:16-17).
Knowing this, we leaders can be a little kinder, more gentle, talk less, listen more, take a little (or a lot) of nagging and complaining, respond without harshness, and be patient. And yep, those under us will probably take advantage of this, similar to how we take advantage of Jesus' goodness...so it all balances out. Regardless, leave the peasants alone and be a slave. It's how all the kings got their start.
Peace
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