Dear Young People,

How does the Bible describe marriage in Ephesians 5:31-32?
A great m_ _ _ _ _ y

Here is one facinating and truly baffling question about marriage:
Whose position is more difficult—the husband’s position as the head of the wife or the wife’s position as the submissive partner?

It is easy to understand that it can often be hard to submit graciously. But what we may not realize is that it is not very easy to be a good leader either.

Have you ever been the leader of your class in school or college? When we are put in charge of a class or a group, it makes us feel very important, doesn’t it? But how many of us are good leaders? Some leaders are bossy and make others feel small while some leaders are afraid of what others may say about them. So wanting to please others, they forget to lead. We have examples of exemplary leaders in the Bible—Moses, Joshua, and Nehemiah, to name some. All of them took leadership very seriously, serving their people and their God with humility. How can serving and humility have anything to do with leadership?

Boys and young men who are reading this, be attentive, for you will probably marry some day and be called to be the head of your family. Learn now the secret of true leadership.

Notice what Jesus said in Matt 20:26-28.
“. . . but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your ________. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your ________ just as the Son of Man did not come to be ________, but to ________, and to give His ________ a ransom for many.”

Turn now to Eph 5:25 and let us see what instruction God gives husbands.
Husbands, ________ your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and ________ Himself for her,

If a husband is a good leader who is gentle and strong, it is easy for the wife to submit. If the wife is submissive, it motivates the husband to be a good leader.

(Nahomi Dhinakar; Published in Youth Column of Dhyanamlar Dec 2004) Click here for other Youth Column articles