submission – Gird Your Mind

In my home, too?

January 20, 2019 by Dave

“…wives, be subject to your own husbands…” 1 Peter 3:1
“…husbands…showing honor to the woman…” 1 Peter 3:7

There is a school of thought today that says if all people were equal in every way, the ills of the world would disappear. The obvious fallacy to this is that it is easily seen that people are not all alike. This is proven when those who promote this kind of thought set themselves up as superior to you and me.

We can’t get away from the fact that any sort of society or civilization demands a structure of authority. Peter is illustrating God’s way and extends it even into our homes: “Wives, be subject to your own husbands.” This is true even when there may be a case where the husband is defiant and rebellious towards God. Such a man may be won over by the good example of his wife. To that end, a wife will focus on developing her inner qualities as opposed to fretting over her outward appearance.

Peter treats husbands in a unique manner. All others have been shown how to respond to authority. Husbands are instructed in how to be in authority. The simple phrase “live with your wife” indicates this is to be a shared life, making an effort to understand her and to act on that knowledge. She is to be honored, not because a woman is deficient compared to a man, but because anyone who submits to another places themselves willingly in an inferior position. They become vulnerable and dependent, no longer fully in control of their lives.

At the same time, wives are valued as highly as husbands by God, who has made both heirs of his grace. For a husband not to acknowledge and honor her standing before God is to strain his own relationship with Him, which likely will affect his prayers.

For more information, see 1 Peter 3:1-7.

At work, too?

January 6, 2019 by Dave

“Servants, be subject to your masters…” 1 Peter 2:28

It is significant that Peter turns the topic of submission to our experience in the workplace. Things haven’t changed much since he wrote these words. A common source of complaint among us still is “the boss” or the “home office.”

We will probably never be without someone over us. We will often find ourselves over someone else. And how we treat those under us may be greatly influenced by how we respond or react to those over us. Peter adds to his statement the phrase “with all respect.” This is not mere lip service, but an indication of what is to be in our hearts.

Is it universal that bosses overwork their workers? Or is it closer to say workers resent being made to work? Peter says submission is required whether the boss is “good and gentle” or tough to get along with. The implication is that the boss may not be exactly honest and forthright, understating the amount of work to be done and overstating the possible pay and rewards. Our response should be the same for both.

1 Peter 2:18-25

Submit? says who?

February 5, 2019December 11, 2018 by Dave

Now there’s a word that can rub us the wrong way! Our reaction to “submit” can sound too much like “No one’s gonna tell me what to do.” Well, read on, because Peter has in mind several kinds of people we need to – gulp – submit to, starting with government.

He doesn’t say “it’s usually a good idea to…” or “you might want to….” He just walks up to you, jabs his finger in your chest and demands, “Submit.” At least it can sound that way. But there is another sense to this concept of submission. One that was modeled by Jesus.

No person, no power, no authority compelled him to submit to the will of the Father. Or to the religious leaders. Or to Rome. Or to Death, for that matter. He chose the path of submission.

Why? Because it was what God wanted. And to follow the will of God is what is desired of us, too: “that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” (1 Peter 2:15)

Earthly power and authority is set up by God (though they do not always acknowledge it). Their purpose is to punish evildoers and praise those that do well. But, if they disregard the will of God, our submission belongs to God first.

1 Peter 2:13-17