Many husbands feel intimidated in their role of spiritual leadership. They find it hard to measure up to the idealistic ways spiritual leadership is described:
- read his bible for an hour a day,
- pray for half an hour a day,
- lead his family in daily one hour devotions and worship,
- pray with his spouse for 15 minutes a day,
- have regular family discussions on theology,
- the list goes on…
I have watched my husband attempt to lead his family in these ways. And I’ve watched him fall flat numerous times. As a result he became discouraged, defensive and frustrated.
At first, I was disappointed. I never voiced it, but I’m sure he felt it. As time wore on I wished he would, you know, “step it up”. Just get out that Bible and start reading out loud, were my thoughts.
Also, I’d like to have a headship more spiritual and knowledgeable in God’s word than I am.
With that thought, I started wondering “how can I biblically submit if my husband isn’t doing what he’s supposed to be doing?”
That’s when my spiritual brake lights came on and I recognized the ugly roots of bitterness and contention that had started taking place.
Here are a few things I learned in regards to the fact that spiritual leadership isn’t always cut and dried, and that I still need to honor his position as leader.
