Scripture: “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives (when they (the husbands) see your respectful and pure conduct.
Do not let your adorning be external [only—added in the NASB]—the braiding of hair, and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves….” (1 Peter 3:1-5a)
Observation: As a husband, I have to acknowledge a few things: This wasn’t written for me to lord it over my wife; Caring for my wife’s soul, I have to think and consider how to coordinate with the Holy Spirit to assist implementing this; In the light of my own character, I must acknowledge how very difficult and fearful this is for my wife.
Knowing what the face in the mirror looks like deep in the heart and soul, I should get a glimpse of what “working out my salvation in fear and trembling” looks like to her.
Analysis: Let me transparent with full candor: Way often, I am a knuckle-head first class when it comes to being a husband. And I mean a 1stClass Knucklehead with ruffles and flourishes, oak leaves and clusters.
After the past few days, I should be up for promotion to a higher grade of knucklehead (if there is one).
There are a few more sections of scripture that I must believe raises the hairs on the back of my wife’s neck like this one—and they all have to do with how wives become holy. Often, the prospect is distasteful and approached with gritted teeth and maybe a bit of rebellion.
Why do I speculate that? Because I would, given opposite circumstances.
Today, I remember to identify evidences of Grace. Those places where my wife is submitting to the will of the Lord, obeying the Word, and actively looking to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in heart change.
Note to self: When you remember to identify evidences of Grace in my wife’s life, do not do it with ulterior motives, deceit, and a self-serving attitude. Self: remember that you are RESPONSIBLE to present your wife, pure and dressed in white, to your Savior—because you dealt with her the way Jesus deals with you.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for the Gift of Grace Deborah is to me. A gift from Your mighty hand, just right, for us to become one in You. Thanks for giving her more patience than I acknowledge. AMEN.