Trouble Spot

The source of our submission trouble is our very own hearts.

Does that surprise you? It surprised my good friend, Marianne, soon after she got married. See if you can relate:

"The whole idea of submission was a real challenge for me. I knew what Scripture said in Titus, Ephesians, and 1 Peter--I just didn't like those parts very much! You see, I was raised to be very independent. I was strong and self-sufficient. I thought I was capable of taking care of myself and doing a pretty good job of it. I didn't like being led. I liked leading. This was especially true when it came to my schedule and how I spent money. And because I wanted to make decisions about these things on my own, Kevin and I had some heated conflicts! It made it very difficult for my husband to lead."

Scripture sheds light on this struggle to submit--for Marianne and for the rest of us. One of the consequences of the Fall for women, it says in Genesis 3:16 is that their "desires shall be for [their] husband[s]."

The form and context of the word desire actually has a negative connotation--an urge to manipulate, control, or have mastery over. Because of the curse, we now have a sinful tendency to want our own way and to resist our husbands' authority. This evil desire is what poses the greatest opposition to our submission.

That's why we need the gospel in order to become gospel wives.

(adapted from Feminine Appeal)