Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:18
In few Biblical passages is the difference between Christian principles and our American culture seen more clearly than in Colossians 3, in which we see God’s command to wives to be in subjection to their husband’s God-given authority. The people (especially the women) of our land cry out, “You’ve got to be kidding! This is the 21st century, not the dark ages. We’ve come a long way, baby, and we are never going back!”
The Biblical precept is clear. In Colossians 3:18, as well as Ephesians 5:22, Titus 2:5, 1 Peter 3:1-6, wives are commanded to live in subjection to their husbands. This subjection does not carry with it the implication of any inferiority on the part of wives, nor does it imply any superiority on the part of husbands. It is simply a matter of God’s arrangement of order in terms of authority, responsibility, and accountability.
According to 1 Peter 3:1-6, this subjection is basically an attitude. It displays itself in respect for a husband’s position and accountability ... a gentle and quiet spirit ... a cultivation of the heart more than the body. Just like headship does not mean domination, this submissive spirit is not passivity. The woman described in Proverbs 31 is not passive. She is strong, wise, industrious, and dignified.
The marital arrangement described in Colossians 3 is totally out of step with our society. Folks today would say that it is outdated, archaic, sexist. But this arrangement is the Word of God and, as such, is the best way for husbands and wives to conduct themselves within their blessed covenant of marriage. After all, marriage was God's idea in the first place. He would know best how it should be lived out.
