A couple of weeks ago, we were helping some friends and I had asked my son a question. Darling Groom answered me and instead of thanking him and heeding what he said (submitting to his answer) I impatiently (and sharply) replied that I had asked son. Thankfully, my husband was very gracious to accept my very sincere and public apology for it, but it bothered me that my flesh got it's way, albeit briefly and had to be "in control."
Some of you might not think that was rebellion in this area, others may think that I was right on to speak up. And while yes, my youngest son needs to work on his issues regarding authority (which is what I was concerned with), I realized in that moment that I too need to work on rebellion.
Ephesians 5:22 tells us to submit to our husbands as unto the Lord.
Most of us miss that last part. In fact, we use the excuse that he doesn't always love us as Christ loves the church (and there are men who will use the above verse for tyranny in the home, but that's another post for another day). The real question is, taking this verse in whole, are we being fully obedient to the Word?
Merriam Webster defines SUBMIT as "to yield to governance or authority."
It is easier for us to admit (at least) submission to the Lord even when our flesh doesn't want to. We may struggle and fight our flesh, but we strive to do so because we love the Lord.
It is even easier for us to submit to people we don't even know or at least not as well as our husbands.
WHAT? Yes, think about it. You submit every day to the authority of police, lawmakers, government officials, teachers, employers, so on and so on. Even unconsciously you submit to the "standards" that are a way of life. Do you go to the front of the line at the grocery store? No, you patiently wait your turn in line. You may think you are only being courteous, but you are submitting to the idea of fairness and courtesy. Do you speed down the highway, or at the very least, know you shouldn't do 55 in a 45? Then you are submitting (or should be) to the law. Each and every day we submit ourselves to people and ideas that our a way of life.
So why is it so hard to submit to the one man the Lord commands us to submit to?
Perhaps it would be easier to remember this verse and combine it with the command...Collossians 3:23, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"
Unless he is causing me to sin, then I should submit to Him as I do the Lord. As my husband and the man I chose above all others on this earth, to give him the courtesy I give the strangers in line at the grocery store is the very least I can do. But it goes deeper than that, it is borne out of love for him. It is a matter of trust in his governance of our home.
So, Darling Groom, thank you for being wise and for loving me as Christ loves the church--my faults and all. I pray that your love and forgiveness continue to cover me on those times I do fall short of this commandment, but know that it is in my heart to submit my life to yours and to give you the respect and love that is yours by merit of being my Darling Groom.
Sudden Destruction
4 weeks ago
Great post, Tam!! Colossians 3:23 is one of the verses that I have to remind myself of when I start to grumble about the things we do as housewives and stay-at-home moms. When I take my focus off of God and shift it to the fact that I'm not getting the help I think I should have that verse is so helpful!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather! This has been an issue that's been near and dear to my heart lately and I think God has been confirming it with so many witnesses to this, it's been everywhere I turn lately in one form or another.
ReplyDeleteBTW, Colossians 3:23 is one of my favorite verses now and instead of new year's resolutions, I try to find a verse to apply to my life each year and for this 2011 that was it. Not always easy to do, but when we follow it life certainly turns out so much better!
Thinking of you!