The King
by Laurence Windham

Hmmm, I smell oil. It appears that my chariot has a leak. I speak of my 85 Ford Ranger. To say that it's not much to look at is a definite understatement. To say that it's unpleasant to look at is an understatement. Dark navy (in those spots where the rust doesn't show through) with a big gash down the passenger side when the emergency brake failed that time I jumped out to fend a Rottweiler away from a woman. Consequently the passenger door doesn't open and the side mirror was sheared off by the tree it broadsided. Saved the maiden, damaged the chariot. The glove compartment will not close anymore much to the chagrin of those that are brave enough to ride with me. Every passenger insists on trying to close it but to no avail. But, I have found that the free hanging door will hold a lit cigar. No AC, no radio, and now no heater. The arm rest on the driver's side door came off last week so sometimes I still forget and try to prop my arm there.

I could go on, but I don't want you to think that I am complaining. I'm not. I like my truck ... such as it is. My contentment comes from who I am. Who am I? I am the king. As I travel the neighboring countryside in my beat up blue chariot, I am at peace with what I have because of who I am.

Every weekday evening I return to my castle with spoils of war. My two little princesses and little prince herald my arrival with shouts of joy. The Queen also delights in this welcome the young royals give their father. She waits patiently for her turn to welcome home the conquering hero.

After Love's last kiss, she informs me with considerable angst that something of unknown origin and location stinks in the kitchen. My day is not done. Even though I am weary from the day's toil I hesitate not in this commission to locate and dispose of Foulsmell. You see, I am not only a providing monarch but also a warrior king. And this dragon has my main damsel in distress. Lurking in the overstuffed garbage can the malodorous beast is quickly suffocated in a Glad trash band dumped in the refuse bin outside the gates of the castle. Once again, peace reigns in the home.

Soon dinner is served. After the family is seated at the table I lead them in song and prayer thanking God for His goodness to us. For I am a godly who recognizes He who establishes all rulers. When dinner is done the young are entertained, instructed, and inevitably tickled by their father lord. For I am a loving king.

After the children are put to bed I study, plan for tomorrow's labors and battles, pay bills, journal, answer correspondence, etc. Because I am a wise king.

And then there is the Queen. Sometimes we are entertained by the electronic jester, other times we read together, and always we talk. You see, I am a manly king.

I call myself a king because under God's economy I am the one in charge ' It is my chief responsibility to lead and direct the family in all areas of life and godliness. The Puritans recognized that the quality and character of the family was the foundation of the church and society. Not that that was why it mattered. While strong families are the means to the ends of strong churches and societies, they are also an end or goal. And the cornerstone of that foundation is the father. This is where the buck stops. This is where the family rises or falls. When husbands and fathers abdicate their authority they actually lose their purpose in life. A man's life is not defined by his occupation, although this is the erroneous are of chief concern for most of the male populations. But think about it. While it is a concern, that is that we are to exercise dominion in God's garden, our first garden is not at the office or factory, but at home. Will God one day judge you on how many cogs and sprockets you sold? Or how many possessions you gave your children? The position you reached within the company? The size of your bank account? Don't kid yourself.

You and I know that our first responsibility is to our wives and children, that a wealthy but failing Christian father is worse than a pagan. We are put in charge by God. We are the ones given the place of authority within the home. We cannot delegate this to our wives, nor can we hand it, like some hot potato, to God or His church. In fact, though our wives are our partners in this enterprise of fruitfulness and of raising a godly generation, we alone are given the authority to lead. While God and His church will encourage men in their rule, at the end of the day, we are still kings. There are areas of responsibilities that can be shared. Headship is not one of them. So rule well, fellow lords. The Sovereign Lord has decreed it.

Well, the hour is late, this ruler is tired, and since this article is almost finished I'm ready to rest for the night. They say the fool sleeps on his stomach, the wise man on his side and the king on his back. Tonight I will find myself resting in all three positions. Though I am God's authority in my home, I am also a foolish wise man and a wise fool. But thanks be to God that He, the King of all kings, gives strength, grace and instruction to the vessels under Him. Ah! I spy yonder candle burning in my bedchamber. The queen awaits. It's good to be the king.