Jesus Christ replied to the questioning Pharisees, "Have you not read... For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh" (Matthew 19:4-6).

There is a very important lesson in this verse. Marriage takes two! Two people of the opposite sex are joined together as one in that wonderful institution called marriage.

One of the greatest blessings children may receive from parents is to be reared in the presence of a happy marriage. Understanding and using this important key will help any married couple to grow in their marital relationship.

The Scriptures are clear that the husband is the top authority in the family according to the biblical model. The husband is ultimately responsible for the family and its success or failure. God inspired Paul to write, "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything" (Ephesians 5:22-24).

But how should the husband be the head of the wife? Does this mean that marriage is only for the husband to fulfill his desires? Shouldn't both the husband and the wife make decisions that affect the marriage jointly? Should either mate be in a marriage only to fulfill his or her own personal desires and needs?

Since the Bible designates the husband as the head, he must be especially careful that he does not function on his own with little or no consideration for his wife (and family). Paul was inspired to continue, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her" (Ephesians 5:25).

To love one's wife, there needs to be outgoing concern for her and her feelings. The husband shouldn't discount her thoughts and input in major decisions that affect her and the family.
We'll cover more on this important subject next issue.