AN EXAMPLE FOR WIVES

A family is an organization, and to operate smoothly it needs a head. Even Jesus has One he submits to as his Head.  "The Head of the Christ is God," just as "the head of a woman is the  man." (1 Corinthians 11:3) Jesus ' submission to God's headship is a fine example, since all of us have a head to whom we must submit.

Imperfect men make mistakes and often fall short of being ideal family heads. So, what should a wife do?  She should not belittle what her husband does or try to take over his headship.  A wife does well to remember that in God's view, a quiet and mild spirit is of great value. (1 Peter 3:4)  By displacing such a spirit, she will find it easier to demonstrate godly subjection, even under trying  circumstances.  Furthermore, the Bible says: "The wife should have deep respect for her husband." (Ephesians 5:33)  But what if he does not accept Christ as his Head? The Bible urges wives:  "Be in subjection to your own husband, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect." -1 Peter 3:1, 2.

Whether her husband is a fellow believer or not, a wife is not showing disrespect if she tactfully expresses an opinion that differs from his.  Her viewpoint  may be correct, and the whole family  could benefit if he listened to her.  Although Abraham did not agree with his wife, Sarah, recommended  a practical solution to a certain household problem, God told him:  "Listen to her voice." (Genesis 21:9-12) Of course, when a husband makes a final decision that does not conflict with God's law, his wife shows her subjection by supporting it. -Acts 5:29; Ephesians 5:24.  

In fulfilling her role, a wife can do much in caring for the family.  For example, the Bible shows that married women are "to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sound in mind, chaste, workers at home, good, subjecting themselves to their own husbands." (Titus 2:4, 5)  A wife and mother who acts in this way will gain the lasting love and respect of her family.  (Proverbs 31:10, 28)  Since marriage is  a union of imperfect individuals, however, some extreme circumstances may result in separation or divorce.  The Bible allows for separation under certain circumstances. Yet, separation must not be taken lightly, for the Bible counsels:  "A wife should not depart from her husband; . . .and a husband should not leave his wife." (1 Corinthians 7:10, 11)  And only fornication/adultery by one of the  marriage mates provides Scriptural grounds for divorce. -Matthew 19:9. 

Next time: A PERFECT EXAMPLE FOR PARENTS 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach?  2005 and 2006