Today’s post will address the criticism that wives will face when they decide to fulfill the role that God has designed them for.
The society that we live in seems to be very tolerant to every religion, every sexual preference, every alternative lifestyle - except when it involves Christianity. So to decide to live your life as a submissive wife, striving after God’s own heart… well, that’s just against every fiber of our culture. (Don’t believe me? Read what Snopes.com had to say about the 1950’s Good Wife Guide!)
But, then again, aren’t we strangers and aliens in this world (1 Peter 2:11)? Meant to be in this world, but not really of it? We’re SUPPOSED to be set apart!! We’re supposed to be a light in a dark place! (Matthew 5:16)
The Bible warns us that people are NOT going to like us.
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:19)
So, here’s two things to take from this thought:
- It’s okay to be a submissive, respectful wife! You don’t have to identify with the wives on “Desperate Housewives” or even “Everybody Loves Raymond”! It’s okay to identify with June Cleaver! It’s RIGHT to not belittle or mock your husband to your friends! You’re not SUPPOSED to be like the rest of the world! (Thank GOD for that!)
- If the world thinks you’re crazy, you’re doing something right! Conversely, if the world loves you, you’re doing something wrong. If you “fit in” well with husband-bashing wives, you are not separating yourself from the world. God does not look approvingly on that at all: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15) <– God’s words, not mine!!
So, what now? What if you realize that you’re not “set apart” from the world? Here are a few steps to take to get back on track:
- Confess it to God: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
- Repent: It involves so much more than just confessing - you must now change your ways.. TURN from your sins! (2 Chronicles 7:14)
- Renew your mind: Meditate on Scripture, read books about being a Godly wife, and pray daily for transformation. (Romans 12:2)
- Live right! Treat your husband well, stand firm against your friends (or any other negative influence), and always strive to do the right thing, and God will be glorified! (1 Peter 2:12; Matthew 5:16)
What are your thoughts?
Keep on striving!
~Heather
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August 2nd, 2008 at 9:37 am
Vive la difference!! Yes, it is OKAY to be different, in fact you stated very well that our God calls us to be different.
I also take joy in the times people say I’m weird, odd, unusual or just plain nuts, when I know I am following the voice of my Lord and not the sound of the crowd.
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Amen and Amen Heather!
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
heather,
i so agree…alot of women bash their hubbys but even more they talk to them like they are dogs and its horrible.
ppl sometimes feel uncomfortable around me and andy because we treat each other with respect. sad isnt it
there was this couple that said i guess i have to kiss my wife now.
being set apart is the Godly way.
and it also ministers to ppl when were follwong what God wants
August 4th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
So true, Kelly!!
August 8th, 2008 at 1:31 am
For years I was a husband basher. I often spoke down about my husband. Then in a Ladies Bible study I learned that wives were supposed to respect their husbands. Was that an eye opener for me! I began to hear the things I was saying about my husband and I didn’t like it. The Lord really convicted me. I began to retrain myself (with the Lord’s help) to speak kindly and say nice things about my husband. What a difference it made in my marriage!! My husband began to be much nicer to me, he treated me special. It was a blessing to see the change in both of us. Thank the Lord he doesn’t give up on us, He continues to strive with us. Married 35 years and Mom to Heather. Thanks for the inspiration H!
August 8th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Mom,
I will say that that change filtered down to your children, because the relationship that you and Dad have is one that I look forward to having 33 years from now! I love you!!