By David Reynolds

There was no question or debate in my home growing up, as to the principles and values we were following. My father ‘commanded’ it so. God’s ways and God’s house took president. There was no discussion as to where I would be at church time –I was to be in church. No high School function ever took me out of church. There was no negotiation as to where I was to sit in church –I would be sitting up front or with my parents. I had no problems with talking or ‘gum chewing’ in church –my father saw to that. Even today I have no problem determining where I will be on any given Sunday –I will be in church. Dad commanded it then– and now that he has passed on I still hear his marching orders.

My father was not hard or cruel but when he spoke we learned to obey. I learned to value God, honesty and commitment from my father. He left behind three children, three grandchildren and one great grandchild in the ministry. Dad commanded his children after him.

The family, under God, is not a democracy. Contrary to modern day thinking there is a line of delegated authority within the family and the church. This line of authority is mandated by God Almighty.

“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God “1- [I Corinthians. 11:3]

This scripture plainly shows that the family is designed to be a `Theocracy’. God is the head of the family and He has delegated this “head ship” to the man within the family. God expects him to provide benevolent leadership to his family in all major decisions. Man is to be the manager of the family. Good managers always ask for input before making a decision, but the decision is made and the responsibility assumed by the manager. Men today are uncertain as to their authority, thus they are not taking the lead. What greater authority do you need than God’s Word and God’s plan for the family?

In holding with Bible principles the man is also to protect and provide for his wife and children. This God given role is being challenged and turned upside down. Men today do not know how they are to act, they are uncertain as to their function as well as their role; this has lead to inaction and a vacuum has developed in place of family leadership. Any institution that has no leadership soon flounders. Any vacuum does not so remain for long, so the wife or even the children are commanding the homes today. “As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths” [Isaiah 3:12].

God knew that Abraham would command his children and his household after him so they would love and serve the Lord. As a result the children will relate to others in justice and in judgment. All justice and judgment must be based upon God’s Word; but for there to be justice there must be an enforcer. Men — God has made you the enforcer.

Your children will never learn justice and judgment unless they see it modeled and enforced.
Men, –God will hold you responsible for commanding your children and your household. You need no other authority than God’s Word. Use your authority wisely, lovingly and prayerfully — but assertively assume your command. AA’

The above article, “He Will Command His Children,” is written by David Reynolds. The article was excerpted from the Apostolic Accent.

The material is copyrighted and should not be reprinted under any other name or author. However, this material may be freely used for personal study or research purposes.