That Every Man Should Bear Rule In
A man should rule well in his own house by deriving his authority from Christ, showing love and deserving respect.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of a man ruling his own household with love and respect, as this reflects the divine authority given by Christ. He argues that a man's ability to lead his family is crucial for his capability to care for the Church, highlighting that authority should not be exercised selfishly but rooted in love. Meyer warns that the decline of authority in homes is a sign of societal decay, and he encourages men to earn respect through their character and actions. Ultimately, love is the foundation of true authority, leading to mutual respect and obedience within the family.
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That every man should bear rule in
his own house. Esther 1. 22.
ONE of the pre‑requisites in choosing a presiding officer in the early Church was that he should rule well his own house; "for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God?" (1 Tim. iii. 4, 5).
When a man bears rule as husband and father in the love of God, there is no issue of commands which conflict with primary obligations; rather than that, his authority represents the Divine authority. As Christ received his authority from the Father, so does a man derive and receive his from Christ; and in the recognition of his delegated right and ability to lead, the entire household becomes well ordered. The relaxation of the bonds of authority and government in our homes is one of the saddest symptoms of national decay, as it is among the predicted signs of the end (2 Tim. iii. 2, 3).
But, on the other hand, you must show yourself worthy to lead and rule your home. Your character must be such as to command respect. Those whom God has put into your charge require that you do not us your authority for selfish or capricious ends. Above all, love is the source of the truest authority. We count nothing hard or irksome that we do for those we love. Show love, and you will win love; and on love will be built respect, reverence, and obedience.
One of the most eloquent of modern Italians has said truly: "You can only obtain the exercise of your rights by deserving them, through your own activity, and your own spirit of love and sacrifice!" Christ's golden rule holds good in every phase of life ‑‑ "In all things, whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."
Sermon Outline
- The Pre-requisite of Ruling Well
- The Character of a Leader
- The Exercise of Rights
- Deserving rights through love and sacrifice
- The golden rule in all aspects of life
Key Quotes
“You can only obtain the exercise of your rights by deserving them, through your own activity, and your own spirit of love and sacrifice!” — F.B. Meyer
“In all things, whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We must show ourselves worthy to lead and rule our homes by demonstrating a character that commands respect.
- Love is the source of true authority, and it is essential to build respect, reverence, and obedience in our households.
- We must deserve our rights through our own activity, and our own spirit of love and sacrifice.