“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife and they shall be one flesh…” – Mark 10:7-9 (KJV)
Beloved, God never intended for men to be fathers before becoming husbands. Family is one of the pillars instituted by God, and it comprises a husband, his wife, and then children (multiply).
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a foundation is the solid ground on which a building rests. A building inspector will condemn a building if the foundation is weak. It does not matter whether the building contains solid walls, a strong roof, or a ceiling because all of the aforementioned materials rest on the foundation. It is the creator’s plan that Fathers be that foundation where the family can be sustained and experience tremendous stability and growth in the things of God.
The father’s role as the family’s foundation means he has headship over his family, according to God’s design (Ephesians 5:23). Inherent in the foundation is love. The headship role is best fulfilled when the husband ‘loves his wife as Christ loves the church and gives himself for her’ (Ephesians 5:25). Children are also commanded to obey both parents, not just the head of the household (Ephesians 6:1).
Saints, the foundational role of a husband in a family setting is God’s design. Whenever a man goes into a sacred marriage using a secular philosophical construct as a guide, the marriage usually doesn’t end well. The family is divided because the foundation is flawed. Being the head of the family may seem to be a glamorous position of superiority. However, the head of the household is responsible for the spiritual and emotional well-being of the family. God judged Eli for not restraining his wicked sons. Eli knew about their evil actions and did nothing about it, so God held Eli responsible as the head of the household (1st Samuel 3:13).
As husbands and responsible heads of our families, we do not know everything. It is therefore wise to seek counsel and advice from our wives so that they may share their studied opinion on the matter. It is evident, therefore, that when a husband steps up and assumes the mantle of responsibility God has placed on him, the rest of the family finds it much easier to fulfil their roles. Hence, the family is a testament to God’s design.
Read: Proverbs 23:24; Colossians 3:20
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 14:5-14; Acts 2:22-47; 2 Samuel 7; 2 Samuel 8