Headship and submission

Tonight we look at an incredibly difficult passage concerning 1 Corinthians 11:3. Paul writes, "Now the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man and the head of Christ is God."

In theological terms, "headship" and the ability to walk under authority is an important part of our Christian experience.

I can't lead until I learn how to follow.

If I am not in submission to Christ, than how can I lead my wife and family?

Men who are not submitted to Christ tend to abuse their role and try to dominate their wife or they shrink form their responsibility and leave their wife to carry a great burden. In some cases, men are both abusive and irresponsible.

On the other hand, many women refuse to submit to their husbands as Christ submitted to his Father. They become dominant, leaving their husbands passive and helpless.

Here's the principle: HEADSHIP ONLY MAKES SENSE AND ONLY WORKS WHEN THERE IS NOTHING BROKEN IN THE LINE OF AUTHORITY.

Headship speaks of submission. Submission is not inequality nor does it suggest of inferiority but of a difference in roles and functions within the body of Christ and the family unity.

It is a choice one makes to submit.

Sam Bronfman, the late CEO of the Seagram Company, entered a crowded conference room and, anxious to get on with the meeting, plopped into the nearest chair. One of his young assistants immediately said, "No, Mr. Bronfman, you're supposed to sit at the head of the table."

"Young man," replied Mr. Bronfman, "wherever I sit is the head of the table."

I like that. Wherever God sits in our lives, He is to be the ultimate Head. Everything else falls into line after that.