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Thoughts on Patriarchalism and the Family

But the most important, most helpful part of patriarchy is not exercising authority, but submitting to it. (And submitting to the intangible Jesus in our mind doesn’t quite cut it.) That is, those who would lead must learn how to follow. We shouldn’t be surprised if we find that our children, as they grow older, buck under authority, if they have watched us do the same all our lives. If we would rule well, we must submit well. - R.C. Sproul, Jr.

While supporting the well established homeschool movement and the emphasis on the Biblical foundations for families, I share R.C.'s concerns regarding the failure of many to consider the importance of submission to legitimate authority; I add to it the lack of understanding on the part of some that the call to leadership is a call to service. I've witnessed fathers who have all of their "ducks" in a row, who would never "abdicate" authority to a Sunday School, but at the same time were utter tyrants. Many of us are rightly fearful of a civil government with individuals who, due to their own depravity, utilize their power in a tyrannical manner for their own personal gain. I wonder if we should not also consider that the same sin that causes the abuse of power in the civil realm is a great temptation in the personal/family realm as well.

Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Eph. 6:4

Posted by tim at August 18, 2004 2:54 PM

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