Chapter 3: Did God Really Say…?
March 17th, 2009 Kristen
I hope you all are enjoying this book…this week’s chapter spoke to my heart partially because, instead of being frustrated by things said by feminists…I am feeling joyful about what God has said about women and marriage. His plan is always right and always works! Like the author said, we aren’t just playing by different rules, but we are playing an entirely different game! (Kingdom-mindedness)
The author says, “God’s authority in creating and defining marriage is what is on trial with feminism.” I don’t know about you but in every situation around me…I am continually seeing God’s authority under attack, the church’s authority, or pastor’s authority…and on to the head of the household’s authority being attacked relentlessly. God set up this “order” in our lives for our betterment. Judges 21:25, when there is no king-no ultimate authority-everyone does what is right in his or her own eyes. We don’t need to rely only on our conscience, even though God has placed that inside us to help us. But, God has given us HIS WORD. His will never goes against His Word. I love that! So many times people will say that “God told them to do ______” - but, it is totally against His Word! Honestly? Do you think it was Him or just your wishful thinking?
The author says, “(the devil)…seeks to subvert human marriages, because they have the greatest potential for displaying to the world the nature of the relationship between Christ and His church (Eph 5:31-32).” Marriage is a beautiful thing. Family is a beautiful thing. I am personally so blessed with a godly head of our home…I can’t imagine trying to raise our two children without him. It takes all of our resources and creativity (some days!) just to make it through. We are a team. Two are better than one because we help each other, when the other is weak. God knew raising children, running a home, and making a living was more than one person can handle. That is why His PLAN is so wise.
Before you start thinking I am just being judgmental, please understand what I am saying. I was raised in a single-parent home, so believe me, I have an understanding of the hardness of that life. I also have a deep compassion for the children of divorce, because I was one. There are issues that people do not see on the other side of divorce. For some, I understand, divorce is the only way. But, for those that are choosing divorce because you have differences, or have fallen out of love, there is a better way! Divorce IS hard. It IS hard on the children. It does effect their confidence and security for years to come. Again, I am not coming against single parents, but I am trying to elevate the teachings of Jesus - because His way is truly the best way.
Please read Ephesians 5 this week. Study it. See what God has to say to YOU. (not your husband, God is perfectly able to deal with him! :) Honestly, loving and respecting a husband who loves and leads like Christ is the easiest of the two roles. Remember, no man perfectly fulfills his roles, but neither do we women fulfill our roles perfectly…we are working together to be like Christ. There is no other place where your Christianity (or carnality!) is more on display than in marriage. Take this week and do what God has instructed YOU to do and see if it doesn’t make a difference.
This week:
- Pray for your husband.
- Look for ways in which you can show respect to him.
Love you all so much! God bless you in your marriages!
Tags: divorce, Ephesians 5, feminism, God's authority, marriage, submission