I asked the wives in a post this week if they dominate their husbands and the context was Genesis 3. The interesting thing about that passage is that at the same time God is telling the wife her main role (desire to the husband and pain in childbirth) he also told the man his role (ground will be cursed, but you’re to work it).
I find it interesting that this concept of men working and women raising children continues to be followed– regardless of the patriarchy or the rise of feminism. What? You don’t see it– just look with me.
For me, you would think that men (particularly the patriarchy) would have wanted to get out of all kinds of work, and yet we find, throughout the centuries, that men have worked to make a living and provide for their family except for in the extreme cases of someone who was a king– and even then he was usually out protecting his kingship.
And now, with the rise of feminism and the woman’s right to be in the workforce, we still find that a majority of women feel inclined to be the primary keeper of the home and children– she just has to do that along with her job.
One could blame society, but with as much as I’ve read about women who have come home, are home, and wish they could be home it’s more than just conditioning, it’s an innate desire. And that’s where we come in.
Men have always been providers
Whether it’s providing money, a roof over the head, food, or laughs, men have had the natural desire to provide for their family throughout time. In fact, it’s part of what gives a man the feeling of worth and accomplishment.
When a man marries, however, there’s more than physical needs that must be met. There are spiritual and emotional needs. Godly Husband, how are you doing at providing for your wife?
- Do you take the time to help her learn the Scriptures?
- Do you show her when she’s wrong and help her live a God-honoring life?
- Do you show her love and compassion?
- Do you comfort her?
- Do you try to minimize the stress in her life?
- Do you let her get away when the stress gets more than she think she can bear?
Are you aware of what’s going on inside her head? If you aren’t, then you aren’t being a good provider.
Question Idea taken from From Dreadlock to Wedlock
- Godly Husband: You Must Be Born Again
- Godly Husband: Are You a Leader?
- Godly Husband: Is She Your Helper or Your Slave?
- Godly Husband: You Must be a Lover
- Godly Husband: You Must Be a Protector
- Godly Husband: Do You Do Too Much?
- Godly Husband: Using Your Perspective
- Godly Husband: What Do You Care Most About?
- Godly Husband: How Well Do You Know Your Wife?
- Godly Husband: Are You There?
- Godly Husband: How is Your Thought Life?
- Godly Husband: How Are You Treating “Your” Body
- Godly Husband: Are You Pro-Active?
- Godly Husband: Are You Precise?
- Godly Husband: Are You Keeping Your Wedding Vows?
- Godly Husband: Are You a Provider?
- Godly Husband: Do You Nourish and Cherish Your Wife?
Didn’t spare any punches with this one! You covered a lot of ground, important stuff.
I have to wonder if a husband is failing in the first two areas of provision, is it because his wife (a-hem, not necessarily referring to myself!) is not teachable in this area? That’s a pretty hard job, but you’re right, men are called to be the spiritual leaders.
I’m so glad my husband is a hard worker and a good provider, and that he appreciates me staying at home. That is so important to us stay at home moms…to know that the mundane things we do every day make a difference, that someone is noticing and says they couldn’t live without us!
Good article.
Mary- If I pulled punches when talking about the guys, but don’t with the girls, how good would that be? :happy:
Heather- Thanks for stopping by. Looks like you have your hands full with a beautiful family.
Thought provoking stuff, MIn. I feel if my husband would only embrace God, as he embraces other things, we would be quite content!
I would love for my hubby to teach me scriptures, I would swoon!
How on earth did I get that ugly icon on your site!!??!!
Unfortunately, you get it via a random process. If you have an image you’d prefer, I can rectify the situation almost immediately. Let me know.