In the United States, we are taught that at least according to our constitution, all men are created equal. It took over a over sixty years just to put an end to slavery. It took another fifty years before the concept included women. It took another sixty years before laws and court decisions enforced the concept that all men and women are created equal in the views of law. Yet , there are many examples of social bias, prejudice, discrimination, and injustice.

In the United States, we are taught that at least according to our constitution, all men are created equal. It took over a over sixty years just to put an end to slavery. It took another fifty years before the concept included women. It took another sixty years before laws and court decisions enforced the concept that all men and women are created equal in the views of law. Yet , there are many examples of social bias, prejudice, discrimination, and injustice.

The world is smaller today than ever before. If something happens in Asia, it appears within minutes in our own homes. A murder in Orlando, touches families in Spokane almost instantly. The pressures of oppression and the thirst for freedom meet at our kitchen tables day after day. We are all affected.

Traditional roles of husband and wife face challenges of understanding and social pressures. These nuances expose injustices and abuses, however, they have also created undercurrents of mistrust and conflict.

The Bible teaches a set of dynamic principles to guide husbands and wives in their roles. These have sometimes been distorted or misapplied, however, when properly understood these principles go a long way toward enabling life-long marriages.

Rule one: Man and woman are intended to share life. The creation story states that woman was made from the rib of man. Woman was not made from a foot, a hand, or the head; but from the side. This establishes the principle of equality and mutuality.

Second Rule : Male leadership is vital. The seed of life comes from the husband, but successful marriage demands much much more. The Husband needs to set the pace for the marriage and family. He must show the way of integrity and industry. Still, he needs to lead with compassion, understanding, and consideration for the needs and wants of others even to the point of self sacrifice.

Protection of the family is inherent In the husband's leadership. It is his duty to protect his wife from all manner of threats. Out of love, the husband places himself between his wife and any threat that might injure his wife. For this reason, a husband will guard against dangerous situations and dangerous people.

Concept three: Man is expected to provide sustenance for his wife and family. He is to provide food, clothing, and shelter for his family. Man must be willing to give his best efforts, hard work, and be willing to sacrifice himself for the benefit of his wife and family. This does not mean that wives are exempted from work. It only means that the husband is ultimately responsible. A wife who really helps her husband is a treasure beyond consideration.

Concept D: Companionship is the mission of a wife. Her duty is to join her husband to mutually pursue the dreams of marriage and family. Honor, respect, and assistance are the wife's critical contribution. She needs to willingly give herself to meet her husband's most basic needs.

In a sense, woman must submit herself to her husband, but notice the word "sub..mit" actually involves giving oneself into the mission of the family. This is not a matter of wills. When the family battles over control, everyone loses.

When a man dominates or dictates to his wife, he fails as the leader of his home. It is essential that a man listen to his wife. It is vital that he be willing to sacrifice his pride, his self interest, even his own welfare to meet the needs of his wife.

When husband fulfills his role as defined by these Biblical principles, the marriage and family are blessed.

A wife is blessed when she share their life encompassed by true love, but even more when her own love uplifts and sustains their union.

This is not as much a matter of bondage or freedom as it is a matter of mutuality, leadership, and giving to advance the welfare of the whole family. Marriage requires serious effort. To learn more about the fundamental commitments made when a man and woman marry, explore the vast resources available to you through the resources below.