But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3 NKJV

Government, by definition, is “a structured organization or agency that exercises authority and the making of policy to provide authoritative direction and control (Merriam-Webster). There are at least six basic structures of authority: (1) the government of God, (2) civil government, (3) the family, (4) the church, (5) businesses, and self-government.

Regardless of the form of government there must be structure, authority, direction and control, especially in the family. In our text, the Apostle Paul addresses Christians in the church of Corinth to remind them of God’s desired government in the family. As translated in The Living Bible (TLB), it is important to note that the words “man and “woman” are referring to husbands and wives: “I want to remind you . . . that a wife is responsible to her husband, her husband is responsible to Christ, and Christ is responsible to God” (1 Cor. 11:3).

In any family, everything begins with a husband’s relation with Christ—the husband is the head of the family; Jesus is the head of the household; but, the husband’s headship is not superiority over the wife; it is responsibility! This word “head” means to lay hold of; to seize responsibility (Greek text). Headship is never intended to imply domination or suppression. Men and women, husbands and wives are equal in the sight of the Lord, but they have different roles and responsibilities in the family unit.

In fact, God’s government in the home is structured for mutual submission among husbands and wives (See Ephesians 5:21-25).   God’s appointed head of the house—saved or unsaved—is the husband; therefore, do not attempt to usurp His government (1 Peter 3: 1-7).