1 Peter 3:1-7 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your 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 braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, 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 make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. 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.
If yesterday’s devotion about Peter’s use of the word “submission” didn’t cause a stir, today’s should! It is like Paul’s counsel in Ephesians 5. However, unlike Paul, Peter was married. Shouldn’t he have known better than to tell wives to be submissive?
Let’s go back to the meaning of the word SUBMIT: it is an act of faith, putting your needs under the needs of others. This does not have to be demeaning, especially if it is done “for the Lord’s sake.” And don’t take this passage out of context. Peter was just writing about Jesus as our example of submission. Not only that, but Peter also admonishes husbands to be considerate of their wives, treat them with respect, and love them as sisters in Christ. Paul did the same thing, telling husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. He loved the church enough to die for “her” and rescue “her” from sin and death. If husbands love their wives this way, wives won’t have any trouble submitting to them. It will be a partnership that follows God’s design and plan.
Years ago I came across a blog by a young lady who was a college student. I did not save her information or I would credit this to her, but this is what she wrote:
“Wait for the man who pursues you; the one who will make an ordinary moment seem magical, the kind of man who brings out the best in you and makes you want to be a better woman. Wait for the man who will be your best friend; the person who will drop everything when you need him. Wait for the man who makes you smile like no other boy makes you smile. Wait for the man who wants to show you off to the world. Wait for the man who praises God with you and encourages you daily in your walk. Most importantly, wait for the man who is more in love with God than with you.”
Men would do well to follow the same advice: “find a woman more in love with God than with you.”
Shortly after we became “empty nesters” and we were both still working, Cheryl and I both had a particularly long day. On my way home, I stopped and bought her a bouquet of flowers and a pizza for us to share. She was home when I got there, and as I walked into the house with my gifts I asked, “Who’s your hero?” and without missing a beat she replied very matter-of-factly “Jesus!” While that deflated me for a moment, I realized that it was the perfect answer. What a joy to know she loves her Savior that much, because I know she loves me the way He wants her to love me! And I strive to love her the way Jesus wants me to love her.
