But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. - 1 Timothy 2:12

     As a woman who falls under the original 'curse' to Eve, "and thy desire shall be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee" I can say in all honesty that it is in my natural flesh and heart to want to rule over my husband and to have control, to not be in submission in other words. The verse in Timothy is speaking of authority in the church (I believe), so we are not to teach men in the church, nor try and have authority in the church. However, my husband may give me authority in the home as he sees fit to do.

     Only by the Grace of God can I begin to submit to my OWN husband whether he loves me as Christ has loved the church or not. But I think that exhorting men and teaching them how to love their wives is a vital aspect missing in many churches and that is most definitely a part of male headship. I don't believe male headship means only how do you rule, but how do you love?? 

     Do you know your wife, do you cherish her, do you put her above your own needs and desires? Do you 'lead' her into submission or do you 'demand' her (this doesn't work) to be submissive to you? Do you heed her counsel and enjoy the gifts God has given her? All of the above and more is a part of male headship and it requires great sacrifice. 

     The scripture tells each of us our responsibilty, the practical side of that is living it daily. Only by grace!

     Eileen