Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything."
Text: Ephesians 5:22, 24
THE QUESTION OF WIFELY SUBMISSION
The issue of “submission” had to be addressed, no matter how difficult it may be. It is challenging to address this problem in any era, and in any society.
1. What wifely submission is not
a) It is not demeaning to the wife to practice submission.
b) It is not giving in to wrong or unreasonable demands.
c) It is not abdicating the good use of personal wisdom at any time.
2. What wifely submission is
a) It is recognition of the Lord’s command.
b) It is acceptance of the Lordship of Christ.
c) It is humble appreciation of the good leadership exercised by the head of the home.
DIFFICULTIES ON THE ISSUE OF WIFELY SUBMISSION
What are some possible reasons why Paul addressed this subject? Let us consider the following thoughts:-
1. Different cultural backgrounds
Paul wrote to believers who came from a diversity of cultural backgrounds:-
a) In some societies, women were brought up to be submissive (patriarchal).
b) In other societies, women were brought up to lead the family (matriarchal).
c) It was important to establish strong guiding principles for the Christian family.
2. Different types of influence
a) The influence of the world.
The influence of Rome was understandably strong. Divorce was commonplace.
b) The influence of personality types.
Strong individual-personality types could adversely affect the Christian family. It was necessary to give godly advice on some of these basic issues.