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| Like many of you, I receive numerous telemarketing calls at home. Some I can quickly terminate by saying, "No, he's still at work," or, "There's no one here by that name." But one caller surprised me, not by asking "May I speak with David?" or "May I speak with Eye-sill-odd (how my name is often mispronounced by strangers)?" This caller asked, "Is this the head of the household?" I presume the marketer wanted to speak to the person who makes the decisions at home, the one who controls the household finances. It's frustrating for salespeople to make their presentations and then be told by the prospect, "Well, I'll have to ask my mom first," or, "My husband and I usually decide these things together." So the goal is to save time and talk to the real decision-maker first. So, who's the head of your household? And how was that decided? Is it based on gender and tradition -- where the eldest male (most likely) has the final say on most matters? Is it based on gifts -- where areas of responsibility are assigned according to a person's ability rather than gender? For example, the wife might pay the bills because she's good at balancing the checkbook and the husband might do the laundry because he's fussier than she is about how his shirts turn out. Or perhaps your family system is based on another model altogether -- of a team (rather than a body, with one head), where all members work together equally and have equal input into decision-making. Years ago, I heard professor and author Tony Campolo say: "Who's the head of the household? A Christian shouldn't have to ask!" Why? Because according to Scripture, Christ is the head of every Christian and, therefore, of every Christian Household. Colossians 1:18 says, "He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." What this means, at the very least, is that competition between Christian men and women for leadership is moot, because they both should submit to Christ as their leader. (Ephesians 5:21) But the more interesting question, to me, is what does a household look like that has Christ at the head? - Do family members always treat one another with kindness and patience? - Do members seek ways to help one another, rather than expect others to serve them? - Is the focus on spending quality time together rather than earning more money? - When disagreements arise, do people stay emotionally connected with one another and express their desire to work on the problem? - Is the home seen as a resource for ministry, where hospitality can be practiced? - Is Christ the unseen guest at every meal and the silent participant in every conversation? This Easter season we celebrate the truth that: He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me Along life's narrow way. He lives, he lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart. Do you have this kind of relationship with Jesus? You can, if you open your heart to him in prayer. Let him know you want to know him as a friend and guide. Then he can truly become the head of your household. |
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