As a wife and a mother, I recognize that harmony within marriage can be a tough scale to balance day-to-day. At the core of this issue remains an enemy, who is no respecter of persons, male or female, single or married—namely, pride. In all honesty, our culture isn’t helping, lending philosophies that are setting a tone against marriage that hurl coals on a fire that has been roaring since the Garden of Eden. Peter’s counter-cultural words continue Jesus’ teaching regarding the value and worth of women, reminding his audience that “they are heirs with you of the grace of life….” Let’s capture the all-time cure to this epic battle, hunkering down to discover what “kingdom living” looks like within the context of holy matrimony. We do this, with an open heart and an open mind, as we move toward the King we can trust.
3 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Isaac Serrano is Lead Teaching Pastor of South Valley Community Church. He likes talking theology, history, and culture. Isaac lives in Gilroy with his family. On his days off, he likes to go fishing and venture outdoors. Isaac serves on the leadership board for the Regeneration Project.
