WOMEN OF INFLUENCE WITH A GENTLE AND QUITE SPIRIT
1 Peter 3:1-6 (NKJV)
1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conductaccompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptiblebeauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
My family and I would like to congratulate Sis. Angie Calaowa and the WIN – Al Ain Ladies’ Ministry on their 16th anniversary. May the Lord empower the married women of this church with grace and truth so that they will become women of influence for this post-modern world. God bless us all on this special day.
The word “submission” in the Greek is “hupotasso” (G5293 - ὑποτάσσω) which means to subordinate or be under obedience. Somehow the word “submission” has become a dirty word among married women especially those who are married to men who are not believers or God- fearing, using this verse of scripture to enslave their wives. Regardless whether the men are good or not, it is very tempting for the ladies to control or alter the behavior of their husbands so that the wives will have their own way. This is not God’s will but rather that the wives will submit themselves through obedience to their husbands. The Bible is very clear that even if some men do not obey the word, the women in turn without a word can influence the men by their chaste conduct accompanied by fear.
To have a gentle and quiet spirit in this context of scripture is to be submissive (obedient) to their husbands. The challenge for all you married ladies is this: OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD = OBEDIENCE TO HUSBANDS = HUSBANDS BEING WON OVER BY CHASTE CONDUCT ACCOMPANIED BY FEAR. Most women would not have it God’s way. Instead they will fight for rights to be heard. Sarah is the model for women to follow if you consider yourselves daughters of faith. Instead of obeying, some would resort to manipulation, intimidation, emotional blackmailing, coercing, verbal abusing, even sexual appeal or seduction. These methods might get the results they desire, but they failed to win over the hearts of men for the Lord.
My encouragement for all the married women out there: God’s word will never fail! Satan would like you to believe that you should do something else apart from the WORD of God. The enemy will convince you that obeying God’s word is not working out for you. Give it time and let God has His way and you will see the fruit of your obedience. Obedience is NEVER easy, but it is always practical and beneficial in the long run. You will reap what you have sown. If you sow obedience, you will reap obedience in your husband’s heart towards the Lord. Then you will be a happy wife fulfilling your calling as “women of influence.”
May the Lord bless us today with His amazing grace!
From my family to yours, Peace!
Ps Edward, Sis. Marlene, David John and Sally Joy
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