Submission and Wives

In the same way, wives, submit to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the Christian message, they may be won over without a message by the ways their wives live when they observe your pure, reverent lives.

Your beauty should not consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothes. Instead, it should consist of what is inside the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God's eyes. 1 Peter 3:1-4

The opening phrase, 'in the same way,' refers to the previous chapter when Peter talks about all submitting to governing authorities and slaves submitting to their masters both good and bad. The whole underlying theme is learning God's way. Jesus came as a man and submitted to the governing authorities, ahe was God, yet while on earth He submitted to the earthly authorities.

Peter is trying to tell us that blessing flow when we catch the 'God way' to live and act.

Wives submitting to their husbands is soon followed by a message to husbands. Peter is teaching harmony not brutal authority. Women need not fear Peter's message. We know Peter was married and that his mother-in-law was living with him in the time of Christ. He may have had his faults but I don't think he was an authoritarian.

Men can not demand submission, however, when they love as Christ loved the church, they receive submission as a gift. Loving a woman unlocks a desire to flow with and honour a man. It works! Amen!

Women dress elaborately when caught up in a worldly way of living and miss the beautiful path of peace in Christ. We can dress well but must focus on our inward beauty, our hearts. Our hearts carry more treasure than any outward adornments. Adornments are necessary when we are insecure, but when God dresses us, there is freedom.