When you think of the word submission, what images come to mind? Do you think of the relationship between parent and child or employer and employee, or do you immediately think of the marriage relationship?
In the area of marriage, God's Word is very clear. From His point of view, the husband is to be the head of his wife. He is the one who stands accountable for his family. To his wife, he is a representative of the glory of God. Just as Christ is the head of the church, a husband is the head of his wife.
God's plan for marriage was designed to enable a husband and wife to grow together in God's love.
However, we must understand that God commands a husband to love his wife with the same love that Jesus has for the church, a love that is unconditional and full of grace and mercy. This love does not fade with time, nor is it marred by stormy trials—it is steadfast and eternal.
In fact, a man is required to love his wife as he loves himself. Few women or men would ever turn away from this type of love. God's plan for marriage was designed to enable a husband and wife to grow together in God's love.
Almost every year a new book appears on the bookshelves declaring the age-old Truth that men and women are different. While this is true in many areas, we must not forget that marriage is a union; not a competition. There should not be a struggle over who is weak and who is strong.
When both husband and wife are submitting to God in their devotion to one another and to Him, there will be a wonderful sense of freedom that emerges from their lives and from the lives of everyone in their family.
If you are struggling with the thought of submission, ask God to help you view it from His perspective. The first step to true love and unity within the family begins with love through submission.
Prayer: Father, empower me by Your Spirit to submit to Your will for marriage that husbands and wives should submit to one another. Help me to live out Your steadfast love toward my spouse as I look to the Gospel of grace. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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