The Essence of Marital Submission

Biblical submission in many ways can be summed up in this: learn what your husband wants--how the kids are to be raised and how he wants the home run--and then carry it out to the best of your ability. Talk over areas of difference, and for men who aren't very verbal, learn to closely observe him so you learn what he really wants. It isn't a valid excuse if a husband is quiet and leads in a more subtle fashion. We're to submit to his wishes, not just what he says. Not all men are the domineering type so are not going to give 'directives' (thankfully, that would be tough for some of us), and many will let the wife run the show completely because sin is attractive to them, too. Just as we ladies are more than happy to drive the way the kids are raised and the way the school and home are run, men are often prone to let them, thinking it isn't going to be their fault how things turn out (or they are just lazy). He is the leader and the one responsible before God though, we know this from the Word. If he delegates, terrific, but let's make sure it is delegation and not abdication. We can encourage godly leadership from our husbands if we'll slow down and give them the opportunity--to fail and to succeed. Phew, a task we can only accomplish by the strength of the Holy Spirit in us.

This concept is anathema to carnal Christians or to the unsaved, but it is the pathway to blessings from God for the Christian wife. Be careful who you are friends with. It is not difficult to get domineering as a wife if you have friends who are. Like all things, if you want to be skinny, hang with skinny people and do what they do (seriously, I need to do this!). What happened to 'Fit At 40'?! I digress.

Love,

J Dub