In The Word
Read: 1 Peter 3:1-12
Godly Living
3 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.
7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.10 For,
“The one who desires life, to love and see good days,
Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 “He must turn away from evil and do good;
He must seek peace and pursue it.
12 “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,
And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Do you want to see change in your life? Are you walking in the blessings of the Lord? Have you considered how you are living your life? In today’s reading, Peter gives us good instruction regarding how to live a godly life.
Godly living requires submission. It means you no longer live your way but God’s way. Peter knows that living a changed life will influence others, especially a family member, so in this part of his letter, Peter addresses wives, husbands, and all of us. Submission is not just for wives, but also for everyone trying to live a godly life. True submission comes from the heart out of love for God and His established order.
Let us look at submission in the church where it is often misunderstood, especially when dealing with volunteer servants. God is about order, and submission is how order is maintained when there is a disagreement with your leadership. You need to submit not just in your actions but also in your heart. Biblical submission is obeying the authority and requests of your leadership, while honoring them in your thoughts and words, even if you believe they are wrong. However, if they are asking you to do something unbiblical you are not to submit or comply, but stand for truth.
Do you volunteer with a submissive heart? Choose today to submit to all authority, and follow Peter’s instructions so you can live a godly life.