Dear friends,
Spring time brings out a lot of things. Flowers and leaves on the trees, dandelions, colts, calves, kittens, and others.
Love blossoms in spring, also. Wedding plans are being made as couples, young and not so young, prepare for life together.
The culture of today seems intent on downplaying marriage, and those who chose to marry seem committed to the vows they make only as long as things are going well. I may be a voice “crying in the wilderness”, but at some point I believe we need to return to taking those vows seriously once again. Many of us are too familiar with the tragedy of divorce and broken homes. Children bounce back and forth between parents, and have nothing that could be called stability in their lives.
I believe some of this relates to the fact that young men are not taught to respect the ladies the way they once were. More and more we hear stories of verbal, emotional and physical abuse leading to divorce. Granted, these occurred in the past, but I believe it is much more prevalent in our day. If young men were taught the biblical standard for husbands, wives would receive much better treatment.
I also believe that if husbands behaved as they should, their wives would be much more apt to respect them and their position as head of the household.
I’ll close with some scriptures that speak to this topic: Speaking of marriage… “Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6).
Of husbands… “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them” (Colossians 3:19).
This one for wives isn’t popular with some, but it is in the Book: “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord” (Colossians 3:18).
I believe it begins with the husband having a right relationship with the Lord. This then will affect his relationship with his wife, and in turn he will receive her respect.
If God’s plan is allowed to take precedence in the marriage, everyone benefits.
Just thinking,
Pastor Jerry
sandhillspastor 
Posted by Jenn on April 24, 2012 at 2:39 am
Submission is indeed biblical, as you well know. 🙂
I think the challenge is that many naysayers don’t understand submission in the biblical context. It conjures up such negative images that many just shudder at the mere mention.
It’s too bad because in the proper context submission allows so much freedom.
Thanks for continuing to share your wisdom Jerry!