Wives Submit

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

Yea, that verse more than likely just enraged you as you read it, or puffed you up, probably depending on your gender. This verse often infuriates many of the female class because the word submit which in this case means "to yield oneself to the authority or will of another :surrender" (Webster), doesn't fit with today's feminist mentality. Most women even in the church are bothered by this verse. But why? Often it is because the verse has been misused within the church. In some churches it is taught that the woman is to be quiet and never should speak. That she should be in submission to her husband even if he is an ungodly man. 

This verse has also been one that puffed up the chest of many "men" who want to be the head of their family, but have never earned that right. Some think, “Heck, submit to me like she would the Lord, that’s awesome, preach it pastor! Hope she’s listening.”  It's nice when you can point to a scripture that will back-up your macho, male agenda. For decades a lot of churches put a great amount of emphasis on verses 22-24, but in truth, is that the way these verses should be used? 

I honestly believe that where overbearing men and feminist get it wrong, is that they never seem to make it past verse 24. Because if they did, they would see that there may be 3 verse that instruct women on how to be toward their husbands, but there are 7 verses that give instructions to the man on how to be toward their wives…and the verses for the men, are much tougher. 

Women are to submit themselves to their husbands, but men are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Not sure if you are familiar with how Christ loved the church? But, He loved her when she was unlovable. He loved her when she was right and when she was wrong. He loved her with an unconditional love. He protected her and comforted her. Sheltered her and clothes her. He never asked for anything in return. He was selfless. With a selfless love for His bride. He gave her someone, she could trust in good times and bad times. He would never leave her or forsake her, no matter her response. He  was beaten and bruised for her,  nailed to a rugged, splintery cross and was gouged in the side with a spear for her. He gave it all for her…He died for her. Men, love your wife as Christ loved the church, so that she will feel safe in submission to you as she is to the Lord. 

So if you are a feminist type of a “lady” who can’t find it in your heart to submit to your husband, even though your husband is striving to be like Christ and love you as Christ loved the church, then you truly need to drop to your knees and repent. You are one of two things, away from God or not His at all. 

For the “man”, who wants a wife who will follow,  but expects her to, despite  his ungodly lifestyle and lack of Christlikeness toward her, then you too need to drop to your knees and repent. You are one of two things, away from God or not His at all. 

“However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33)

Vern