“… Christian marriage is only possible in Christ.
{and} you cannot have a united church without united marriages.
It’s for that reason, you see, that marriage really, really matters…
because … this is not about us – this is about Christ and the church.
So, the question is,
do I care enough about Christ and the church
to bring myself in line with the authority of the Bible
even when it is so fundamentally demanding,
so politically incorrect?
And some of us are answering … no.”
Alistair Begg, in reference to submission to husbands
It is shocking to think that churches are avoiding this area of teaching in recent years. Would it surprise you to find out in all my years of attending church, I have never heard one sermon in real life on the roles of husbands and wives? I certainly wish we would hear more sermons preached from local churches on this aspect. Thus, in an effort to be encouraged, taught and discipled, I have searched out sermons online to listen to – and there are many wonderful resources online. Here is the link to Alistair Begg’s sermon on wives. It is worth listening to, as I did today while baking some bread for dinner.
Over the past season of my life, I have felt conviction more than even in this area of submission, in this role as a wife. In the world, woman are told to be loud, to be pushy, to be independent, to make their point known, to aim higher and find personal success. How does this work, then, when that same woman is suddenly married? Who comes alongside and teaches that young woman the Biblical ways on how to treat her husband and how to honour God through her marriage?
It is certainly not a natural inclination to be submissive, quiet and gentle for most women. Indeed, we are often overbearing, munipulitave and powerful! What a taming of character is required!
This teaching of true submission and how to love your husband, according to the Bible, is missing in many churches, in many sermons and, sadly, from the teachings of many pastors. If you attend a church that teaches straight from Scriptures on this issue, consider yourself blessed!
Over tea last week, my dear friend and I discussed this topic. While the children played and the cookies were being eaten, we sipped our tea and shared how we both had been searching Scriptures and attempting to tame our tongues in regards to how we talk to our husbands. We both agreed that there truly is nothing more ugly than an abrasive, mouthy woman, especially when she is talking to her husband in such a manner! With little eyes watching and little ears listening, we are certainly feeling more accountable, as well. But it would not matter if there were children in the home or not – it is God who is indeed watching and listening.
It may even seem like a small issue and yet, the breakdown of marriage is amazingly detrimental to so many aspects of society. Submitting in these little ways – the building up a godly marriage – may seem so trivial compared to larger issues – and yet, they are all connected, are they not?
I know that, in this modern age, women are certainly not encouraged to be under anyone’s authority, much less their husbands. With an attitude of haughtiness, it seems women try to rule their homes but in turn, destroy their marriages. Following Biblical standards is not something that comes naturally – I have to fight my selfishness, I need to fill my mind with good teaching and Scripture and I need to constantly remind myself of godly instruction.
Proverbs 14:1
Every wise woman buildeth her house:
but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
And for that reason, in this day and age, I aim to be a politically incorrect wife in all aspects of my life and marriage.
P.S. I have a Bible study online that has been encouraging to listen to… perhaps it will be helpful for you, as well.
by Gigi
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