CHRISTIAN SUBMISSION 2

"You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered" (I Peter 3:7)

"and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ" (Ephesians 5:21).

"Wives be subject to your own husbands as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22).

I doubt that submission would be such an emotional issue in the Christian home if Christian husbands were perfect, but, sadly, they are not. Generally, they are no better than the women they are married to, and no worse either. The honored place they have in the home, and in the church is by Divine direction, not because of innate superiority! The only reason that a woman would be regarded as being weaker is because she does not have the privilege that God has given to men. If this seems to be arbitrary and not fair, talk to God about it.

Because of the privilege God has given to men, they have a greater responsibility to honor their wives. How are wives to be honored? Several answers can be given, but I just want to mention understanding. One of the most important gifts that we can give to any one, and especially our wives, is that of truly listening with the intent of understanding her. She is not to be dismissed as an "air head," but is to be understood, validated and, of course, loved. The thoughts of a woman are not less valid, nor are the thoughts of a man more valid; validity does not depend on gender, rather, it depends on truth.

In the Christian church, submission is to be mutual with the members of the body submitting to each other in the love of Christ; we wouldn't expect it to be any less so in the Christian home. However, when the time comes to act, then the husband has to carry the load, acting in what he believes to be in the best interest of Christ, his wife and his children.

In the church, I believe that women can serve in any position that a man serves, with one exception, not in the position of elder-pastor-bishop. Again, this is by Divine direction. These are interchangeable terms in the New Testament for the same service. A woman can be an evangelist if she is under the supervision of the elder-pastor-bishops.

To a mother, the protection of her children is of paramount importance. During times of personal abuse or the abuse of children then all the talk of submission is over. Personal safety and the safety of the children comes first. In the cases of abuse, prolonged infidelity or addictions, the vows have been violated. Submitting , in these situations, would increase the danger and it does not honor God to stay in those situations!

Grace&Peace,
Tom