“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, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external-braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 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. 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; 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.”1 Peter 3:1-6 NASB. http://bible.com/100/1pe.3.1-6.nasb
This is a wonderful passage of scripture to use when writing up a bridal shower talk. At first glance one might think this is really too old fashioned and besides it's not with the new thinking that women are equals with men and should assert themselves.
This is a wonderful passage of scripture to use when writing up a bridal shower talk. At first glance one might think this is really too old fashioned and besides it's not with the new thinking that women are equals with men and should assert themselves.
Not necessarily so. First of all, we need to remember that this is not one man's opinion. It is the Word of God that tells us this. So we should not be quick to dismiss it since God is speaking here through Peter.
The word submissive doesn't mean laying down and being a doormat. Nor does it mean that you can never share your opinion for consideration. Rather it has the idea of order, or rank.
Take a look at the local church. There might be a plurality of pastors, but there is always a head pastor or main pastor who delegates and calls most of the shots. However, he doesn't call the shots alone. He has board meetings or deacon meetings where all get to lay their ideas out on the table and then they come to an agreement on what they will do together. This is the idea of submission in the marriage. The husband is the head.
The wife is to respect her husband. I take this to mean that you don't belittle him either to his face, in front of his peers, your friends or behind his back.
The wife is to behave with purity, gentleness and a quiet spirit. She is not to dress in such a way as to draw attention to her body, but she is to work on her hidden person of the heart. Many women are so concerned about the outward appearance that they do not work on the hidden person of their heart.
Becoming a woman of purity, respectful, gentle and quiet will go a long ways toward a happy marriage and home. Notice the phrase without a word. No nagging! Women are notorious for nagging.
So here are just a few thoughts on this passage to get your ideas flowing toward a bridal shower talk on this passage.
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