Cows and Sheep

1 Corinthians 11:3 states that man is head of the woman. And in that line of thinking, it tells us that the wife is to submit to the husband. This certainly is true – but – and this is a huge exception – the man is ‘to love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.’ Jesus is to be our model, our example.  How does He lead? As a shepherd leads his flock. We see the analogy of a shepherd and his flock throughout the Bible, and in the New Testament the analogy is used as a direct example of our relationship with Christ. He is the shepherd; we are the sheep. In this same way as we lead our family, we are to be the shepherd.

Sheep are led by a shepherd who cares for them and calls for them to follow him where he is going. Cows are driven by a cattle driver who pushes and yells at them to make them go where he wants them to go. Men who drive their wife and children may get the job done, but they won’t build good relationships with their families. Men who lead their wife and children will show the way by their consistency and encouragement. Jesus is the shepherd and He is our example. 

Men, think about how you want to be directed, by being pushed and prodded into doing what is right? Or by being led by example receiving encouragement along the way? Which way do you lead your family – as sheep or as cattle? Jesus demonstrated His headship by dieing for mankind. Are you willing to die to self to demonstrate your headship? Are you willing to be that example of commitment and faithfulness to your family? Are you willing to live the life you want your wife and children live?