Today we are talking about the 7th and final virtue included in the Being a Titus 2 Woman series. This series is based off of the book Feminine Appeal, which shares 7 virtues of a Godly wife and mother from Titus 2:3-5:
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Now we have to remember that the goal of demonstrating these virtues in our lives is so “that the word of God may not be reviled.” Also, we need to remember that we are sinners and we are going to fail at living out these virtues day in and day out. We need the grace of God and the Holy Spirit working in us and through us everyday!
Today we are talking about Submission. Now, I know that for some women, they hear this word (submission) and automatically think of men who are demeaning and controlling ruling over them. However, in a Christian marriage, this is not the case at all!
In a Christian marriage, submission is beautiful and sacrificial! Here is what Carolyn tells us (pg. 136), “The specific instruction in Titus 2 is for wives to be “submissive to their own husbands.” This word submissive in the Greek means to “voluntarily place oneself under.” God has ordained our husbands’ authority, and here Scripture requires us to place ourselves under their leadership.”
Here is how I would describe it, my husband loves me. He loves me so much that when he makes decisions and lives his life, he is thinking about me and my well-being. Because he thinks of me, I trust him in making decisions for our family and life. Now, he asks me for input and my opinion. However, ultimately, he is the one who makes the decision. And I support him, in whatever he decides. He is the leader in our home, not me.
It is not always easy, but ultimately by submitting to your husband, you are submitting to Christ and putting your trust in Him and how He has equipped your husband to be the leader of your home.
“Scripture doesn’t tell us to place our hope in our husbands. They are fallible, sinners – just as we are. They will make mistakes. Consequently, if we invest all our confident in their leadership, character, or gifting, we will wind up anxious and disappointed. God never intended that our husband bear the weight of our complete dependence. Rather, He wants us to depend wholly upon Him” (pg. 150).
Submission is a bigger issue than if we trust our husbands, do we trust God and depend on Him?
Now respect comes very close to the subject of submission. When we respect our husbands we are showing that we respect their leadership and submit to them! “The definition of the Greek word for “respect” means “to be in awe of, to revere, or to treat as someone special.” Is that how we act toward our husband?” (pg. 148). Many times I think we would answer no to that question. But, do not lose heart ladies! We can start new this minute and show our husbands the respect that we should!
Here we are again standing opposite of our culture. The feminist movement has created much turmoil in homes today. Women are trying to lead their families and emasculate our men. That is not God’s design! God has designed men to be the leaders in their homes and wives to be the support!
Now, this does not mean that men are better than women, we know that because in Genesis 1:27 we read “that both male and female are created in the image of God…God establishes that man and woman are equal in value and dignity in His sight.” (pg.137). We are created in the same image but with different purposes and roles, each having value!
I hope that you have liked this series on Titus 2! Tomorrow I will be sharing my overall review of this great book, Feminine Appeal, that this series has been based off of. You still have a chance to enter to win 1 of 2 copies of the book I am giving away, courtesy of Crossway Books.
You can enter in the giveaway by leaving a comment below.
I believe one way would be not to gossip about your husband. To your mother, his mother or your children.
juliebrantner@gmail.com
Thanks for the thoughts! I recently read a book called "Created to be his help meet" that did a wonderful job of breaking down our roles as wives, especially in submission and respect. I highly recommend it!
Hey Ashley! I think one thing that I have to watch is my body language-I think I have Chris convinced that I am the number one eye roller around. See you tomorrow at church I hope-if not then on Friday for sure!!
Gwen P