SERVICE NOT LORDSHIP

The following, is a letter that I sent to several men that I care about over 5 years ago. I recently found it on my hard drive and wanted to share it with you.

David

We talk about leadership roles in marriage, church, and family. As you all well know, God tells us in Romans 13:1 "let every soul be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God."(nkjv). In context this applies to a national, state , or local government. In principle it applies to any relationship in which exist a leader and a subject.


Although this truth applies to all mankind, it is not a command intended as license to rule over those who are commanded by it. God has placed me in a position of leadership and authority over my wife and family. I have the impression that my reputation as a leader is known by some to be that of a chauvinist, lording over those below me. I have come to realize the reputation to be sadly accurate. In Matthew 20:26-28, God admonishes his disciples i.e. you and me, to use our position of authority to lead our governed into service by first serving them. Let us not lord over those who are charged to follow us, especially our wives.













God commands us to "love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word." (Ephesians 5:25,26 nkjv). I remind you also that "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life a ransom for many."(Matthew 20:28 nkjv). Our wives may or may not submit to and respect us, but our reputations will reflect that which is most important, the reputation of the Name we carry, "Christian." Our reward is not a submissive wife but a wake that many will follow, including and perhaps most importantly our children. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is , there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 nkjv)




Endeavor with me starting now, to lead the obedient and disobedient alike, not with lordship but with service, submitting to the ultimate authority, Jesus our Saviour.

Let us not forget the true definition of Love, the "more excellent way."(1 Corinthians 12:31 nkjv), found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8+. Look it up and don't forget it, It is Gods word and its true. Please remind your fellow brothers in Christ that service and submission to their wives is service and submission to Gods will.(Ephesians 5:21)


Sincerely with love in Christ


David T. Brown

(update) I want to make sure that this particular post is viewed within context of my greater belief on marital submission. please view also my article about the role of a wife in submitting to her husband by clicking the link below:

http://scripture-hound.blogspot.com/2008/02/husbands-love-your-wives-what-if-you.html