Dear family in Christ Jesus,
Also i should have stated that i am not a married person yet, but am researching on this subject to be prepared as a man for in a possible future period. Please forgive me for this.
i am just saying this because too many marriages are falling apart because the man is not taking his leadership role as a man and does not dare to be firm at times and be the leader of his house as is the responsibility that was Given by The LORD to the man.
i believe this to be Biblical Truth, any other thoughts....?
LOL Sorry brother I know that you are being serious, and want this to be given serious consideration which I will try to do. Then I will tell you why you had me laughing.
I've been married for 28yrs, and at times, it has been more reflective of a roller coaster ride. Continue on with this type of analogy. Our travels these last years together have become less the roller coaster than a leisurely ride in the country, in a land that neither of us have traveled before, but somehow seems familiar, whether the skies are fair or grey, with a knowledge that we both travel with the love of our Lord with us, ever guiding us through the Holy Spirit.
Because we are both believers, we also realize that neither one of us is perfect (Yet ) We've already been broken and remade, continuing to grow in the Lord, if at times at a different rate then the other. Keep in mind brother, you will not be able to anticipate every situation, and be prepared to handle in such, and such a way. I'm happy that you are giving it some thought, however, shaky you might have expressed it.
Here is where I have to ask you something. Not as God would correct us, when we stray, but have you seen a rebuke, or additional chores, or even a spanking, be of benefit to an adult woman or man for that matter, in getting sin out of their lives?
I'd also rethink the use of the word chores as well brother. It is not a chore to help my wife around the house, or clean up after a meal, after she's been cooking all day. No, not a chore, but a love gift on my part as appreciation for what she has done for me. So to use the word chore as a tool for correction, really isn't a good idea, since what each does around the house or even ones work, is a benefit to both, and should be done in love.
Should God bless you with a wife, as he has me, you'll find that sitting down and having a conversation and discussing issues, will have a greater and lasting affect then any corporal punishment one can come up with, and still retain the love each has for the other.
Keep in mind brother, just because I may be the spiritual head of the family doesn't mean that I don't go to my wife for spiritual help as well. Head of the family does not mean, King, or Tyrant either. The problem I'm sure you thinking is what if you're both adamant about going in different directions spirituality on some subject? Say like changing churches for instance. Guess what? You know who is there, and will help. That is the time that you get even closer, not further apart. You join in prayer together, asking for guidance. He will answer. Most if not all of the situations that can be brought up, work with that formula. When you happen to be in the heat of battle (Oh yeah, it happens. Sad, but true.) best is to separate yourself to allow the emotions to quiet down, and yes you got it. Do some praying, and hopefully she will be doing the same.
On the spanking issue. If you were spanked as an adult, don't you think you might be a little bit humiliated, embarrassed maybe? When these types of emotions happen, they can provide an opening to Satan to start using these feelings in a negative way. That is the last thing that you will want to happen in your home. A gentile rebuke really can just mean the way you phrase it to her. Are you sure you want to do that honey? If she does and it goes wrong, I don't say the worse words in the world "I told you so", no, because I love her, I hold her and tell her I love her and God will see us through it. Then a pray, might be in order, to lift her spirits, knowing that God is there supporting not only her, but you as well, because what affects one, affects both.
Just like when you feel the pain of a brother in sister in Christ here at TJ or any other place. You should be feeling that same pain for your wife, and cover her with all the love you have, because you are also covering yourself at the same time.
I hope this will help you some in putting into perspective, what it means to correct someone whom one day you may call your wife, and second only to the Trinity dear brother.
Now back to the smile that has returned to my face. I was imagining my wife's reaction if I would have attempted some of what you mentioned! However, I decided to ask my wife how she would have felt, if I had given her extra chores, or decided to spank her in order to correct sinful behavior on her part. After she stopped laughing, which by her expression had me joining in with her and just for that I thank you brother. Seeing her laugh gives me great joy!!! First she said, hold it I make more money then you (not really true, but close ), she gave me her pearl of wisdom and a question I in turn ask you to she how you would answer it. What does she get to do to me, if I fail in my leadership duties as a man of God? hummmmm
Keep in mind that Leadership, doesn't mean judge & executioner. It just means that you're putting God first in your families life which provides God the ability to use you to steer the ship, to His will and good purpose.
God bless brother, and since you're not married, may I suggest that you be praying for that special someone that God will bring into your life as your wife. Pray that if He should bless you with a wife that she may arrive with very little baggage, but that you also, may be pure and holy as well, so that your lives together may be a blessing not only to each other, but to others as well.
YBIC
C4E