In other words, his likes and dislikes will shape his family members' viewpoints and identities. This includes everything from their faith in God and the development of a health regimen to how the household money is spent.
Jesus is the example that all men should follow concerning the government of their households (Eph. 5:23). In the same way that He is the King and High Priest over the church (Luke 1:31-33; Heb. 4:14), men are kings and priests over their families.
In further following Jesus' example, men should intercede for their families (Heb. 7:25) and decide what is and is not allowed to enter the home (i.e., movies, music, friendships, and so on).
On the other hand, if a man cares little for the things of God and allows his mindset to be shaped by the world's system, it is unlikely that his family will follow after God.
The man who has placed God first and foremost in his life and has made the Word of God his final authority is the man who will step into his rightful place in the household. There should be a parallel between how Christ loved the church and how a man loves his wife.
When you love your wife as Christ loved the church, you will give yourself for her. That means you will nourish, cherish and protect her as you would your own body. According to Ephesians 5:28-29, you are really loving yourself when you treat your wife with this type of respect.
Being the head of the household doesn't mean that you "lord" your will over your wife and "make" her submit to you. No! Instead, it involves giving of yourself, your time and your money. Christ was affectionate and sympathetic toward the church.
Likewise, you should never be bitter, harsh or resentful toward your wife (Col. 3:19 AMP).
Jesus gave His life for the church. What are you willing to give?
Unconditional Love
Jesus was selfless, not selfish. He never tore the church down, but rather empowered and built it up. In following His example, you, too, must begin to cultivate and walk in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) where your family is concerned. This kind of unconditional love endures long, bears up under anything and does not come to an end.
This love never fails (1 Cor. 13:4-8)!
When you shower your wife with love and develop an intimacy with her through communication, admiration and honor, you make it easy for her to submit to you. Once you do this, you'll begin to notice her going out of her way to please you and comply with your decisions.
Remember, the husband sets the atmosphere in the home. If you operate in love, everyone will feel love. However, if you are mean, overbearing and selfish, the atmosphere in your home will be tense and fearful.
The Answer Man
The husband acts as a spiritual covering for the wife. In this capacity he sanctifies and cleanses her (Eph. 5:26) and their home with the Word of God. As the spiritual head, it's the man's responsibility to make sure the family faithfully attends church and then implements the Word they have learned.
By being the first person to pray and seek God for direction when situations arise, you become what my husband, Creflo, calls "the answer man."
As the answer man, your family knows that they can come to you with their problems. If you don't know how to solve the situation in the natural, they know you seek God until you receive wisdom from Him.