There are unintended consequences to the conduct of passive men.
Today’s culture often champions this absence of virility in the human male temperament, even going so far as to venerate a man who’s willing to humble himself in the face of danger or revolting behavior.
Ironically, this submissive behavior is somehow revered by the same ones who desperately seek his guidance or protection in their lives—often at a moment’s notice. And for many years, I too assumed such a passive role, not just as a man, but also as the spiritual leader and guardian of my family.
Yet, I clung tenaciously to my “Christian” identity.
As a result, the irregular pieces of life’s puzzles would rarely fit together.
However, at some point, it became evident to me that, if a man claims to belong to Jesus Christ, his concept of moral bravery should align itself with that of the apostle Paul’s:
“.. and put on the new self, which according to [the likeness of] God, has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” [Eph.4:24-27] [my emphasis] [written to the saints who (were) at Ephesus and who (were) faithful in Christ Jesus]
Because the effects of male passivity are far more devastating than many might realize. The repercussions are generational. One need only look around to witness the catastrophic outcome of uninvolved [or absent] fathers existing in the family structure of our culture today. The combined effect of individual males abandoning their roles as leaders, teachers and protectors cripples the proper functions of a civilized society.
Everyone is affected.
In the same way, the Body of Christ is greatly influenced and sustained by the presence and leadership of it’s men, being the intention of God’s purposes. Paul charged both men and women in the Church at Ephesus to be submissive, but each in the way that reflected his/her proper glory:
“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church. He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, in this manner also, the wives [ought to be] to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives. Just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word…” (Eph. 5:25-26) [my emphasis]
But along with this obligation he has to his family, a man who claims to belong to Jesus Christ is also responsible for establishing Biblical integrity in his local congregation—assuming, of course, that he has “put on the new self, which according to [the likeness of] God, has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” [see: Eph.4:24-27 above] Perhaps he could consider any such authority to be “in the likeness” of his Firstborn Brother, Jesus Christ, when He scattered the money-changers from the temple. [Jn.2:14-15]
The apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy posited the qualifications and responsibilities of local church leadership through the selection of Deacons and Overseers—a pattern still followed today.
But what if they aren’t leading the flock in a Biblical manner during worship?
For example, many men who claim to belong to Christ find nothing unscriptural about a woman leading both men and women in corporate prayer and worship. This seems to be a pattern in many local assemblies today, but the prudent man would strongly object to such an oversight based on the context of Paul’s words concerning the order of worship:
“The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.” [1 Cor. 14:34-35] [my emphasis] [written to the church of God which [was] at Corinth, to those who [had] been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place [called] on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.]
“Give me a break!” you say, “This was written two-thousand years ago!”
That’s true. But the word of God remains unchanged. Paul was actually addressing the proper method for engaging in the Divine phenomenon of speaking in tongues. These two sentences above exist as only a single strand of a common thread found throughout the Scriptures concerning God’s distinct functions for men and women.
[What’s a“common thread?” see: Common Threads are Common]
And, the reason Paul wrote that women should never speak while they’re in church was not that they were never to open their mouths during group worship. In context, he was simply stating that the responsibility for leading BOTH men and women in worship and prayer was clearly reserved for the men. Because just like some men, many women have the gift of teaching and discipling other women as well as children. This is a critical function in Christ’s Body that cannot be effectively discharged by any man.
Earlier in the letter, in an attempt to clarify the importance [in this case] of a woman’s appearance during worship, Paul also established the “headship” of men as well as the Divine rationale behind it:
“Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, Just as I delivered them to you. But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God Is the head of Christ.” [1 Cor. 11 ;2-3] [my emphasis]
“For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man is not from woman, but woman from man; for also man was not created on account of woman, but woman on account of man.” [Cor. 11:7-9] [my emphasis] [ see also: Gen. 2:18-25]
Even later, when sharing a “mystery” to the readers concerning the coming resurrection of the dead, Paul affirmed that there are indeed different types of glory, or magnificence. [ICor. 15:40-41]
The ability for Christ’s Body to reflect God’s image and majesty is subject to His unique device of sexual distinction. The inherent attributes of the human male include leading, protecting, teaching, earning a living and, of course, mating. It seems that a man is properly reflecting God’s glory when he sustains these distinct male characteristics with a worldview conducive to His standards of human conduct.
And, from a Biblical perspective, the task of maintaining the integrity of the order of worship for a local congregation of God’s people is clearly placed upon the shoulders of its male members—especially its elders and teachers.
The innate character of a woman is grounded primarily in caregiving, nurturing of children, gathering and teaching as well. In the same way, a woman reflects the honor [or glory] of her husband—and therefore to the Lord—by discharging her unique traits of womanhood in a manner pleasing to God. [see again: Eph. 5:24]
I’m convinced that Christ’s disciple would do well to embrace the obvious:
Both men and women were created in the Image of God. Jesus Christ’s position as the “bridegroom” of His Church is a paradigm for man in his relationship with his wife. The role of Christ’s Church as His “bride” is a paradigm for a woman in her relationship with her husband.
Christ gave His life for His Church. His Church submits to His leadership.
The roles of the men and women who belong to Him are equal in essence, but different in function.
I’m a believer.
“The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their gray hair.” [Prov. 20:29-30]
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue…” [Prov. 31:25-26]
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” [Prov. 31:30-31]
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Last Updated: October 31, 2023 by cjournalme
A Recipe for Confusion
There are unintended consequences to the conduct of passive men.
Today’s culture often champions this absence of virility in the human male temperament, even going so far as to venerate a man who’s willing to humble himself in the face of danger or revolting behavior.
Ironically, this submissive behavior is somehow revered by the same ones who desperately seek his guidance or protection in their lives—often at a moment’s notice. And for many years, I too assumed such a passive role, not just as a man, but also as the spiritual leader and guardian of my family.
Yet, I clung tenaciously to my “Christian” identity.
As a result, the irregular pieces of life’s puzzles would rarely fit together.
However, at some point, it became evident to me that, if a man claims to belong to Jesus Christ, his concept of moral bravery should align itself with that of the apostle Paul’s:
“.. and put on the new self, which according to [the likeness of] God, has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” [Eph.4:24-27] [my emphasis] [written to the saints who (were) at Ephesus and who (were) faithful in Christ Jesus]
Because the effects of male passivity are far more devastating than many might realize. The repercussions are generational. One need only look around to witness the catastrophic outcome of uninvolved [or absent] fathers existing in the family structure of our culture today. The combined effect of individual males abandoning their roles as leaders, teachers and protectors cripples the proper functions of a civilized society.
Everyone is affected.
In the same way, the Body of Christ is greatly influenced and sustained by the presence and leadership of it’s men, being the intention of God’s purposes. Paul charged both men and women in the Church at Ephesus to be submissive, but each in the way that reflected his/her proper glory:
“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church. He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, in this manner also, the wives [ought to be] to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives. Just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word…” (Eph. 5:25-26) [my emphasis]
But along with this obligation he has to his family, a man who claims to belong to Jesus Christ is also responsible for establishing Biblical integrity in his local congregation—assuming, of course, that he has “put on the new self, which according to [the likeness of] God, has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” [see: Eph.4:24-27 above] Perhaps he could consider any such authority to be “in the likeness” of his Firstborn Brother, Jesus Christ, when He scattered the money-changers from the temple. [Jn.2:14-15]
The apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy posited the qualifications and responsibilities of local church leadership through the selection of Deacons and Overseers—a pattern still followed today.
But what if they aren’t leading the flock in a Biblical manner during worship?
For example, many men who claim to belong to Christ find nothing unscriptural about a woman leading both men and women in corporate prayer and worship. This seems to be a pattern in many local assemblies today, but the prudent man would strongly object to such an oversight based on the context of Paul’s words concerning the order of worship:
“The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.” [1 Cor. 14:34-35] [my emphasis] [written to the church of God which [was] at Corinth, to those who [had] been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place [called] on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.]
“Give me a break!” you say, “This was written two-thousand years ago!”
That’s true. But the word of God remains unchanged. Paul was actually addressing the proper method for engaging in the Divine phenomenon of speaking in tongues. These two sentences above exist as only a single strand of a common thread found throughout the Scriptures concerning God’s distinct functions for men and women.
[What’s a“common thread?” see: Common Threads are Common]
And, the reason Paul wrote that women should never speak while they’re in church was not that they were never to open their mouths during group worship. In context, he was simply stating that the responsibility for leading BOTH men and women in worship and prayer was clearly reserved for the men. Because just like some men, many women have the gift of teaching and discipling other women as well as children. This is a critical function in Christ’s Body that cannot be effectively discharged by any man.
Earlier in the letter, in an attempt to clarify the importance [in this case] of a woman’s appearance during worship, Paul also established the “headship” of men as well as the Divine rationale behind it:
“Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, Just as I delivered them to you. But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God Is the head of Christ.” [1 Cor. 11 ;2-3] [my emphasis]
“For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man is not from woman, but woman from man; for also man was not created on account of woman, but woman on account of man.” [Cor. 11:7-9] [my emphasis] [ see also: Gen. 2:18-25]
Even later, when sharing a “mystery” to the readers concerning the coming resurrection of the dead, Paul affirmed that there are indeed different types of glory, or magnificence. [ICor. 15:40-41]
The ability for Christ’s Body to reflect God’s image and majesty is subject to His unique device of sexual distinction. The inherent attributes of the human male include leading, protecting, teaching, earning a living and, of course, mating. It seems that a man is properly reflecting God’s glory when he sustains these distinct male characteristics with a worldview conducive to His standards of human conduct.
And, from a Biblical perspective, the task of maintaining the integrity of the order of worship for a local congregation of God’s people is clearly placed upon the shoulders of its male members—especially its elders and teachers.
The innate character of a woman is grounded primarily in caregiving, nurturing of children, gathering and teaching as well. In the same way, a woman reflects the honor [or glory] of her husband—and therefore to the Lord—by discharging her unique traits of womanhood in a manner pleasing to God. [see again: Eph. 5:24]
I’m convinced that Christ’s disciple would do well to embrace the obvious:
Both men and women were created in the Image of God. Jesus Christ’s position as the “bridegroom” of His Church is a paradigm for man in his relationship with his wife. The role of Christ’s Church as His “bride” is a paradigm for a woman in her relationship with her husband.
Christ gave His life for His Church. His Church submits to His leadership.
The roles of the men and women who belong to Him are equal in essence, but different in function.
I’m a believer.
“The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their gray hair.” [Prov. 20:29-30]
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue…” [Prov. 31:25-26]
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” [Prov. 31:30-31]
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