The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 3:1-6, “In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives,
2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
3 Your adornment must not be merely external– braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;
4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands;
6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.”

With all of the role misguidance that abounds within the human race these days, it seems appropriate that we carefully examine what the Word of God says regarding the LORD’s will in such matters. He has a role for the women and a role for the men. When the roles become fuzzy, the children become confused about their own behavior. That seems largely to be where we are in today’s world.

In any situation involving more than one person, one of the two has to be the authority. For many, the very word authority translates as “boss” or “tyrant.” Yet, clearly that is not to be the translation here. Rather, when there is a difference of opinion, the wife is to be submissive. That is not to say that the husband is always right; nor is it to say that the wife has absolutely no right to differ with her husband. She, too, is made in the image of God.

The husband is the one the LORD holds responsible for the results of the decisions. A wise husband will consult with his wife in all major decisions that effects them and their children. The wife’s observance of the “chaste and respectful behavior” of her husband will prompt her to love and respect him all the more.

Peter does not belittle the external adornment of the wife; but he emphasizes that “imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit” that is “precious in the sight of God.” Further, Peter reminds his readers that “Sarah obeyed Abraham,” voluntarily calling him “lord” (master).

What delight reigns in the home that follows this Scriptural instruction! The children will notice the arrangement and become positioned for their own roles when they marry. As the home goes, so goes the nation!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom