Spiritual Leadership

   Years of pre-marriage (and post-marriage counseling) have taught me many things. This article is devoted to what can be called the “missing link” in all-too-many marriages in our culture today. 
   The “missing link” is spiritual leadership on the part of husbands. This positioning is tied to the elevated love commitment which Paul references in Ephesians 5: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her….” (5:25).
   This verse has a connection to a previous reference in verse 23 where we learn that “Christ is the head of the church.” So, as Christ holds “head”ship, so, too, the husband holds this position in the marriage.  This is a holy role, filled with remarkable responsibility, as outlined below. 
   As with Christ, we find a calling for men to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the wife. Of primary importance here is the setting aside of the  husband’s “agenda.” Christ’s “agenda” is preeminent here.
   We do well to consider the roles of Christ and apply them to the husband.  Christ was a teacher of the spiritual life. His teaching was meant to help others grow in this arena of life. In marriage this can include -- Bible reading and devotions -- initiated and led by the husband.
   Christ was also a serva ...