Marriage

God's design and calling for you as a wife
This material appears courtesy of Covenant Keepers

Be a submissive wife
I know for some of you, as you read the word submission, you are becoming very uneasy. If the idea of submission rubs you the wrong way, I want to encourage you to take another look at the definition according to Scripture. Submission should never be considered a word that denotes inferiority or a position that is contemptible to you. If this is your belief, let me assure you that your understanding of this issue is not a biblical one.

Submission is something that we all have to learn in every aspect of our lives. You must learn to submit to the laws of this country whether they are traffic laws or our criminal code. If you work outside the home you must submit to your employer and his or her requests. When you went to school you had to learn submission to the teacher when an assignment was given. When you go to the doctor with an illness, you must choose whether or not you will submit to your physician's diagnosis and treatment. When you must render submission in these areas of life you don't consider it degrading to you as a person. You would never think that your employer or your doctor was better than you are and that you were inferior them. In these circumstances you would reason that your submission is a simple necessity for harmony in the work place or necessary for you to gain your health. The same is true for your marriage. True biblical submission in the home will bring harmony and health to your marriage.

I believe the reason why this idea of submission is so abhorrent to many wives is because the concept has been taken out of its biblical context, and this has resulted in many abuses. Therefore, let us go back to Scripture and consider first what submission does not mean. Submission does not mean that you are a second-class Christian or inferior to your husband in any way. Everywhere, Scripture affirms the total equality of a woman with a man. Paul said, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28). For the apostle to make this declaration in the first century was a totally revolutionary statement because women in those days were considered the personal property of their husbands. The Apostle Peter even agreed that wives were equal to their husbands declaring them to be "heirs together of the grace of life" (1 Peter 3:7).

• Be a helper
  
• Be a virtuous wife
  
• Be a prudent wife
  
• Be a companion