1 Peter 3:1
There is no doubt that a wife's "submission" is one of the most controversial concepts in the Bible. Just mention the word and many women immediately become angry, hostile and even ready to throw blows. This subject of submission has been highly debated and even misunderstood.
The dictionary doesn't help because it defines submission in a negative way. As a noun it means "subservience and abasement." As an adjective it means "nonresisting, unassertive, docile, timid, passive and subdued."
Who wants to be described like that? I certainly don't. These negative definitions of submission often lead to abuses of the concept by husbands who fail to understand its biblical meaning and the man's role in a marriage.
Some husbands and wives actually believe submission indicates that women somehow are inferior to men. Or that women have no right to challenge something their husbands say or do. Submitting doesn't mean that you tolerate abuse or neglect.
It does mean respecting your husband and allowing him to lead in your relationship. It means interacting with your husband on a key decision, sharing your perspective as his partner and then trusting your husband. It means being supportive in what he does right.
My husband needs my voluntary submission in order to become the servant-leader God wants him to be. And when Dennis loves me the way he is commanded to, it is easier for me to submit to him and his leadership.
Discuss: In what ways, as a woman, are you thankful for your husband's leadership?
Pray: That submission and authority will not be a problem in your home.
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1 comments:
Hi Charlala. I believe the reason for all the controversy over submission in marriage is simply a subtle, deep rooted aversion to it by women. There's even a slight hint of defiance in your post. The bible clearly states several times, that a wife is to respect, and submit to, her husbands authority. Of course it dosen't mean that a woman is inferior. Women have the ability and the right to do anything that they set their minds to. Until they get married. After marriage, their job; their place(uh-oh!); their responsibility; is to cooperate with, and support their husband's mission and leadership. If scripture itself stirs controversy, look at biblical examples. And call me on this if I'm wrong. But throughout the bible, some single women have strong, independent roles, but married women always play a submissive, domestic, support role. They have to. Because marriage is a ministry, and things need to get done. Nothing gets done when a wife steps outside of her role and responsibility, "challenges" her husband's authority and decisions, and they are both constantly battling for power and position. A married couple has the power to go out and create change in the community, and the lives of the people in that community. If Satan can create a rift; a chasm; between husband and wife, over a little word like submission; GOD given, GOD ordained concept of submission; their witness and power is destroyed, GOD is dishonored, and the gospel is rendered null and void. And Satan knows this. Just like he did in Eden with the apple, or orange, watermelon. Whatever. Feminism, and any and all forms of defiance by women is just Eden all over again. Every group has and needs a leader. One leader. A married "group" of two is no exception. It is an imperative in fact. It is impossible for husband and wife to live and function as one flesh, while pulling in two different directions. Like my pastor says, anything with two heads is a freak, and it will eventually wither and die. GOD understands this. Why is it so hard for us? The bible talks about Christians getting into debates about nothing, and while doing so, people are dying without knowing Jesus. Let's get over ourselves, this submission thing, and all other distractions and let's save some souls!
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