Biblical masculine leadership

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Biblical masculine leadership

Written by Mr. Trev McCallum
Friday, 12 February 2010

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Since moving to Australia in 1999 it has been interesting to observe how the average Aussie bloke operates. Very interesting. We could look into our society/churches and complain about the enormous feminist movement in this country. In doing so I think we miss the point. Should we men look to our own actions first? An ideological movement is an easy scapegoat. Real self examination, repentance and new action is needed. Biblical masculine leadership, the servanthood type, would close the door on feminism. Well perhaps there is more to this. A deep commitment to the Scriptures, as our only basis for not only faith but all of life too, is foundational to revival in this land. Now I don’t mean a commitment to Scripture in a wooden, literalist sense. The Bible ought to be accepted for what it is. Primarily, the very Word of God. Secondarily, this leads onto how we accept the Scriptures. We ought to accept how the Bible is written. Many different literary devices are evident throughout its pages. Poetry ought to be read, understood, interpreted and applied as poetry. Likewise history, prose, prophecy etc should be viewed within their own literary genre. Nicodemus sought to take Jesus’ words in a strictly literal sense. He missed the symbolism used by the Lord. This is tough. How ought we to go about?
I heard someone define history as boring because it was merely stories about dead people! Aussie blokes may hold to this. It is a dangerous position. Scripture describes God as the covenant keeping God (e.g. Leviticus 26:42, Daniel 9:4). He remembers His promises (e.g. Genesis 9:16, 19:29, 30:22, Leviticus 26:42etc). As God’s image bearers we are called to remember (e.g. Exodus 13:3, Numbers 15:40, 1 Chronicles 16:12etc). History is important to God and thus ought to be for us. Men through out the Bible were called to remember. Why? “That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God” ( Numbers 15:40). Remembering is important. Holiness is tethered to remembering, in all things, the Law of God. There needs to be some input in order to remember. Ordinarily the Holy Spirit does not zap us with a serum of knowledge and wisdom. Rather, God uses means to get to the end. Through faithful obedience to the Word of God we will influence the nations. They will be jealous of our “wisdom” ( Deuteronomy 4:6). We are to seek wisdom, godly knowledge and understanding. “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not” ( Proverbs 4:5). We are to actively incline ourselves toward wisdom and understanding ( Proverbs 2:2). Yes, the Lord gives wisdom and we are to seek it. This is somewhat of a paradox. We cannot find wisdom on our own but we are to seek. It takes God to reveal Himself to us in the Scriptures. Our duty is to seek after wisdom by searching what God has revealed, the Scriptures daily ( Acts 17:11) and then the Lord gives the increase ( Proverbs 2:6, 1 Corinthians 3:6). True wisdom is to be sought ( Proverbs 4:7), it encompasses the fear of the Lord ( Proverbs 1:7, 9:10), the hatred of evil ( Proverbs 8:13), it is superior to wealth ( Proverbs 8:11) and brings great happiness ( Proverbs 3:13).

In seeking to remember God’s Law we receive wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Yes, to varying degrees. The body of Christ (the whole) comprises many individual parts. We cannot expect to understand how to apply the Scriptures in isolation. We are to hear the Word, read, prayer and seek good advice from older saints ( Job 12:12). Wisdom cannot be obtained independent from history or void of advice ( Proverbs 13:10). We ought to learn from men of the past and the present. The Church today is standing upon the shoulders of thousands and thousands of godly saints of the past. We ignore their stories, faith, trials, understandings, short comings, victories and failures at our own peril. Men, history is important. Understanding how godly men have led their families, churches, societies and nations in the past will spur us further in and further up. Do not neglect the wealth of wisdom (remembering God’s Law in all of life) stored up in the history of the church.

In all things men must remember that the Word of God is our gauge. Scripture must be our final authority; it ought to shape our lives. Experiences, feelings, emotions, inklings and all other things are to be judged by this final authority. This will profoundly change your lifestyle and potentially your theology. Scripture is to inform what we believe, do and how we think. I often remind my children that they must “do God’s Word all of the time.” Christian men have responsibilities. We are called to a life of actions. We are to go out into the world and take dominion over all things. This, men, starts first with yourself; then your relationship with your wife and children (and extended family); and then to every facet of your life. Men are commissioned to go out into the jungle and bring it under the historical authority of Jesus Christ. This needs, must, to start at home. What is most important to you? Work, TV, DVDs, Wiis, Xbox, church activities, social functions, friends, lying on the couch? Where does your emphasis lie; within or without your family? Are you turning your heart back to your family ( Malachi 4:6, Luke 1:17)? You may be asking; “what does that look like? I have not been instructed how to do this.” Or even; “I don’t have an example of Biblical, masculine leadership from my youth.” Over the coming weeks I will try and highlight some practical ways to start turning your hearts back to your families. In the meanwhile:· Families not only need quality time but quantity time. Spend constructive time with your families. Consider your days are numbered and invest in your family. If this means not taking a promotion or altering your career while the children are young, so be it. Families are generational investments in building the kingdom of God. Careers can be picked up when children are older.· Start leading your family in regular family worship. This can be as simple as reading the Bible, praying and singing. Aim to do this regularly as possible. Children love routine not randomness. No matter what popular magazines and psychologists tell you, boundaries and routines are healthy for children.· Aim to read good books to your children. Try for once a week. Persevere and this will become a routine. CS Lewis and many other authors are great for reading aloud.· Plan to have a family fun night. You can do anything constructive this night. We have a family film night once a week. It is very informal. We move the dining room to the lounge; enjoy fish and chips and a good movie (e.g. Moody Science films, Little House on the Prairie series and others).· Make a start, persevere and put in the time to nurture the flock that God has blessed you with.

Published in : Worldviews, Education

Keywords : Image bearers, Biblical masculine leadership, family man, head of household, patriarchy