July 18, 2008

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

--1 Peter 3:1-2

Our Scripture for today offers advice for wives who want to make their marriage not only survive… but thrive.  

It’s also deals with a subject that culture often views as distasteful and dated—submission. In fact, many in our generation discard the biblical view of submission completely. 

And yet, it is the definite counsel and command of the Word of God. We are to mutually submit to one another. We are to submit to God. And wives, specifically, are to submit to their husbands.

Now submission does not imply inferiority. As a matter of fact, in the language of the New Testament, it is a response… a voluntary reaction.

The example we are given in 1 Peter 2 is the Lord Jesus. Christ submitted Himself to us when He willingly and voluntarily laid down His life for us.

The goal for our relationship with Christ and in our marriage is oneness. You and your spouse are a team. To submit is not to be a slave or a doormat, but to willingly respond to the God-ordained leadership of your husband.

The Scripture says a gentle and respectful spirit can be a woman’s most powerful influence. It is a way that you can radiate the beauty of Christ. And inner beauty keeps romance alive and grows love in a marriage.

Wives, stay attractive through a permanent kind of beauty… beauty that grows with time rather than fades… beauty that radiates from the inside out… and beauty that is precious in the sight of God.

Even though the world says you’re crazy and culture says you are out of step, I want to encourage you today to let the countenance of Christ shine through you. Reveal a gentleness of spirit and a graciousness of heart today that is simply irresistible.

REACT TO YOUR SPOUSE TODAY WITH A GENTLE, RESPECTFUL SPIRIT.