Trust and Obey
Trust and Obey
When did obedience become a dirty word in our culture? I can pinpoint an example of a true paradigm shift in our nation, that I believe began in the 1960’s with the advent of the Women’s Liberation Movement. Before that influence in our culture, a common part of a wedding ceremony included the bride vowing to “love, honor and obey” her new husband. By the time I got married in 1977, that phrase was stricken from my wedding vows, as it was for all my peers. But why? I believe I looked at marriage partners as equals and found it offensive to think of myself as needing to ‘obey’ my husband, even though Ephesians 5:22 clearly states, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.”
In a recent sermon from my Pastor, he made it clear that a man needs to take that ‘headship’ of the home seriously, as he is commanded to love his wife as Christ loves the church. I believe God gave us marital roles because they work, in His economy. It is not a hierarchy issue. Women are not beneath men. They are different but equal in value to men in the Lord’s eyes. Women are equal partners with their husbands in many ways. While the Lord has instructed us to let them have the final say in big decisions, He also intends that they regard our input as valuable.
When we follow God’s plan for marriage, there are fewer power struggles, more opportunities for consensus agreements, and more opportunities for love and respect to flourish, even though on this side of Heaven, we will have conflict because we are human. So, how do women learn to trust God enough to obey Him by fulfilling their roles as godly wives? Cease striving and follow His plan.
Let us Walk in His Way.
Dear Heavenly Father, as hard as it is for us to submit our wills to any authority, the more we see how wise You are and how much You desire all things for our good, the more willing we are to obey Your plan for our lives. Thank You for being a trustworthy and loving God. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
by Corinne “Kinney” deHamel
author of “Walk in His Way” for
Carry the Light Ministries
