Mutual Submission

"Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." - 1 Peter 3:1-7

I know that the idea of submission is a very popular subject. Particularly when it has to do with wives and husbands. The takeaway is that the wife is to submit to the husband like a servant. I can see how that can be understood if you just read verse 1. It is especially vexing if the wife is not married to a Christian. She is living in a relationship that is unevenly yoked. But that is a thought for another day.  Let's focus on a marriage where both are Christians.  

Read verse 7. In the same way as the wives, husbands are to be considerate to the wives. Treating them with respect and as fellow heirs and for the wonderful gift that they are. In my mind, from my perspective, the most important person on the planet. A precious jewel.  Does that sound like it is ok to "bully" the wife because the husband is "in charge"? Actually, the husband is responsible for the wife and children to God. With authority comes responsibility. God has established an order for His purpose. It is His design- not man's. But man seems to always have a better idea than God about how the family should work. Think about the implications of this verse.

"Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." - Ephesians 5:25

Or how about this one.

"How can two walk together unless they be agreed?" - Amos 3:3

Martie and I talk about this a lot. There must be spiritual agreement. In other words - both the husband and wife agree that it is the right thing to do. That does not mean that one or the other is not having their faith stretched by God. God will very often take us to places that will stretch us - make us sweat - if you will. There is opportunity for either one to miss the mark and sin. This only works if both the husband and the wife are "right" spiritually. It is not a natural thing - it is a spiritual thing. It is not a submission of the will to each other - well actually it is - but not before their will fully is submitted to God.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone