In fact, this is also how the holy women of the past who put their hope in God made themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. You are her daughters if you do what is good and do not fear anything that is intimidating. – 1 Peter 3:5-6
In our 21st century world, these are VERY tough words. Women are now supposed to be totally liberated, free, able to make decisions without some man or husband getting in the way. Women are to be career-minded people, equal in every way to men, and the idea of a woman tending to her household is considered “oppressive” and “misogynistic.”
But this is not how God has established womanhood. Consider: Abraham obeyed God who called him to leave everything and wander to a new country. Abraham had to contend with being attacked and raided by unbelievers, with nearly sacrificing his own son, with famine, with members of his own family giving him trouble, and yet he trusted God. Sarah his wife willingly gave up everything and followed him into this life of difficulty. She managed her household and the servants, taught Isaac to read and write and the ways of God, she prayed for Abraham, and she supported him no matter the odds. She was helpful to neighbors, a servant to all, and yet remained obedient to her husband as a believer.
Today the world says that the highest virtues of womanhood is liberty, power, and position. The truth is that, for God’s people, the greatest virtues are duty, obedience, and service. This is the same for men and for women. Unmarried women are to live chaste lives, obeying God and serving others. Married women are to live likewise, obeying God by being submissive to their husbands and serving the family and neighbors in love. It’s no different for men. Men are to be submissive to God and serve their families in love. In all ways, both women and men are to exhibit godliness, humility, submissiveness, and service to all, especially in the home, but also in the community.
Human rules, no matter how noble and seemingly “fair” always water down the faith such as a bartender might water down a stiff drink. But God’s commands are far better, and we must learn to give precedence to them over any human rules.
As we read the story of Sarah, note how she is praised for her service and dedication! She is highly praised for tending to her household. A woman who desires to serve God and please Him should always think of her home first, teaching her children the one true faith, and doing whatever needs to be done to keep the house and home running. For it is a great blessing for a woman to live in this dignified, holy, and godly way, and even though our world today expects women to be something totally different than God intends, true, meaningful blessed womanhood in the faith is about service, duty, love, and submission. Do not let this fallen and creepy world tell you differently! This world’s rules and ideas will not lead anyone to Christ.
Heavenly Father, be with all women of the faith and by Your Spirit, teach them submissiveness, duty, service, and love. Exhort all married men to treat their wives as Christ treats His Church, with true sacrificial love and commitment, and exhort married women to rule their households with dignity, humility, and with a heart to teach and bring children up in the one true faith. Commend and exhort the unmarried women and men to lives of chastity, and teach us all to be people of dignity, godliness, respect, and faith. In Your Son’s holy name, Amen.
