Submitting to God’s Plan for Relationships

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  06/29/21

For the past several decades, the roles of men and women have been compared, debated, and challenged. If the numerous books and articles about the roles of men and women confuse you, you are not alone. In our society, there are conflicting ideas on the position of men and women in the workplace, the church, and in relationships, particularly marriage.

While these countless philosophies attempt to capture our attention, there is one reliable source we can turn to for answers and assurance: the inspired and infallible Word of God.

Some people see the Biblical duties of a husband and wife as outmoded and obsolete. However, when we study God’s Word, we gain a far greater perspective on the subject of marriage. Marriage is a complex and wonderful relationship ordained by God. In fact, He created us for relationships. God knew that it was not good for man to remain alone (see Genesis 2:18). From its beginning, the institution of marriage was designed as a partnership with the husband as the head of his household.

Perhaps you have not yet married. Paul reminds us that Christ is the head of every man and woman (see 1 Corinthians 11:3). He is the one who loves us with an everlasting love. This is the same love He requires us to have for one another, especially for our spouses.

Prayer: Father, thank You for instituting marriage. Help me to look to Your Word as the authority on my marital relationship so that I can honor You in obedience and have a marriage that honors You and thus blesses my spouse, my family, my community, and myself. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior” (Ephesians 5:23).