This meditation was written because marriage today is being attacked around the world more than ever before. It is sent out with the prayer that you will read it and reflect on what the Apostle Peter had to say and be encouraged in your precious ministry to your family.
I hope that you will be encouraged to think about, and meditate on, the passages of scripture that God uses to speak directly about marriage and family. It has been my observation and experience that often we read through a passage in the Bible and neglect to pause to reflect on how it should impact our thinking and conduct in our relationships.
A Word to Wives and Husbands
I Peter 3: 1 – 7 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward–arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel– rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
Husbands, likewise,(in the same way) dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
In this passage we can recognize the impact and power of a godly life upon those closest to us. Consider how the Lord Jesus, your family, friends, and neighbors see you and how they would describe your conduct in the home. Submitting ourselves to being the godly person He describes allows the Spirits transforming power to work in and through our lives.
As a wife, would your children and your spouse see you in the description here in Peter’s epistle? Do they see a woman who supports and encourages her husband and children, serving gladly from the heart, with a gentle and quiet spirit? Is your family being drawn into a relationship with our Heavenly Father, by observing the purity of your conduct, motivated by the loving reverence of your heart for God?
As a husband, how does your family perceive you? Are you dwelling in the home, participating, interested and actively leading, listening and seeking to understand your wife (and children)? Are you their protector, full of the loving grace of Jesus, and a sincere man of prayer and intercession for your family?
In his letters Peter acknowledges the struggle, the pain, and the need to be reminded of our faith in a Savior that loves us, heals us, understands us, empowers and enables us. He also clearly admonishes us and encourages us to be who God has called us to be. May we never cease to examine ourselves, committing ourselves to obedience, in honoring Jesus, honoring one another, and submitting to one another in the love of our Lord.
Asking ourselves these kinds of questions based on the biblical mandates and calling on our lives is definitely humbling and challenging!
May Your Married Life be a Good Work in the Love of Jesus … Blessings Pastor Vince