Patriarchy is not limited to Christians, actually it is almost absent among Christians. It is, however, the order and structure of society for every great nation and people in their founding and development. Oftentimes, secular patriarchy has been extreme and insensitive to the plight and role of women. In many patriarchal cultures, women were regarded as less than equal of value to men. The plight of women in such times and cultures has been deplorable. Everywhere that the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been faithfully preached, believed and implemented, the status of women has been elevated to a higher plane than the rest of the world. Godly Patriarchy is not built on the same platform as any other form of patriarchy, but rather on the Word of God. In the beginning of this definition and description of Godly Patriarchy, I present a portion of I Corinthians 11 for your examination. 1 Corinthians 11:3-9 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. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
The order of authority for the family, according to this concise passage is this:
A. God, the Father.
B. Jesus Christ, God the Son.
C. Husband/father.
D. Wife/mother.
E. Children
In light of this, I offer that Godly Patriarchy is for every man, whether he is married or not, whether he is a father or not. This is so, because he is under the authority of Christ Jesus and our heavenly Father. The true spirit of Godly Patriarchy is not that of a man wielding his authority over his wives and children, but rather the transfer of God’s authority through the husband to those entrusted by our Lord to the man’s care. The husband is a conduit of God’s Word, will, and love. In this scenario, a godly husband/father treats his family as gifts from God and he cares for them as a good steward of God’s love and authority. His purpose in utilizing the authority imputed to him by God, is to protect, provide for, and preserve them in God’s stead. Every aspect of God’s relationship with His creation is designed to be taught and experienced in the design of the family. The husband/father portrays the role and nature of God to his family in his exercise of God-given authority. The wife/mother portrays the church of Christ by her love for and support of, as well as her voluntary submission to her own husband. Through the man and woman living this replicated relationship, any of their children, as well as the watching world may see the redemptive and restorative work of God on a level that may be understood by all. 1 Peter 3:1-7 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.