Patriarchy in Application

There are a lot of different applications of what the principle of patriarchy truly means. Therefore for the sake of the reader, I am going to spend this post explaining what it means to me, and what it looks like applied in my life. It starts with me honestly seeing myself as under God, and wanting to know his will for my life. If / when I forget this, I begin thinking about things with an exclusively ego-centric approach. I only truly find fulfillment in my challenges and decisions when I am following God closely, therefore my goal is to stay near him. This finds itself applied with faith, prayer, the reading of his words and scripture, and counseling with people I trust and care for. Therefore, the first and foremost component of patriarchy in application is God my father, king, and leader in my life. This actually does have practical application in my marriage and life, because being consistent, I am called to believe him fully. Having that solidified, the next component is my headship over my family. This headship finds itself practically applied through the things below. It is not a "be served" approach, but a "work for love" approach. There are ways I will be served in by my family, but they are abstract and not the primary motivator for me desiring the position of patriarch. I want to show my family that I value them, that they are important to me, and that is best done through a servant-leadership approach. That does not necessarily mean that I am subservient to my families desires ,moral conclusions, or leading, because there will be times that they will be wrong on specific issues. It simply means that essentially I value them more highly then myself. Remember, within this approach, is the need to be the leader and make the decisions that are most important to establish the direction I believe God is leading my family. This is where trust is tested, because if I am living my principles successfully, those decisions will be heavily influenced by God, and possibly even commanded. To summarize, I am in my mind the leader of my family, but I am also under the authority of God and am accountable to him. Therefore, I cannot abuse or neglect my family. I must love them with truth and service. I think their is great power and authority in the granted position of biblical manhood, but I do not think that is an excuse to use and abuse, rather, it is a greater responsibility that must be wielded with great humility of person-hood and reliance on God. Practically Applied, some thoughts that come to my mind on what patriarchy does look like: Sacrifice certain entertainment rights, I don't have time for them. Read his word or about his word daily. Grow. Help with housework, creating an environment for family. Make family your primary hobby, and your job's purpose to facilitate your hobby. Listen intently and reflectively to all expressions of the members of your family. Respond by changing and adapting the serve and enjoy them better. Be excellent from a health and fitness perspective. Respond with understanding, not anger. Be willing to change when it is a confirmed necessity. Give all my money to support the family. Delegate authority (do not micro manage). Lead towards God's word Embrace fatherhood