I liken that anything created was designed for a purpose. Viewed from an architect’s mindset, the creation of a house or building goes through a design process: decipher the wants and needs of the user, verify the parameters, the cost constraints, available materials and technology, options, deciding the team of professionals, etc. With the end in mind, the architect interprets the given and creates a masterpiece.
In the story of Creation, God made man and woman in His image and likeness. They were to be fruitful, to multiply, and to care for the earth.1 God, likewise added, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper for him.”2 Thus, the origin, purpose, and roles were established.
Just like plants or animals multiply its own kind, we are meant to grow, raise children after God’s image and likeness, and be good stewards.
God is a God of order. He creates man and woman of equal worth; yet, obviously different and complementary. Each has an important role in marriage.
Primary to its success, the marriage must be understood to achieve a higher purpose. There are basic truths (universal principles) that we must agree with.
One, we are merely stewards. “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it . . .”3
Two, do not be unequally yoked.4 A yoke is a frame by which animals are joined for working together. A simile was used for a better grasp of the marriage union; it would be absurd to yoke a bull with a calf or to yoke a strong horse with a weak colt.
Embracing these 2 basic truths enable us to accept why roles for husband and wife are important. The wife is meant to help her husband achieve his God given purpose; she submits to him as to the Lord.5 Note, being a helpmate does not demean the worth of a wife. She is precious in God’s sight! “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”6 Whereas, the husband is to love his wife, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.7 It speaks of an agape love; a sacrificial kind of love. Thus, he is to nurture, protect, and provide for her needs and the family. There can only be one head in the family and that role was given to the man.
Notes:
1. Genesis 1:26-28
2. Genesis 2:18
3. Psalm 24:1-2
4. 2 Corinthians 6:14
5. Ephesians 5:22
6. Proverbs 31:17.
7. Ephesians 5:25
