It’s Week 5 in the Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times study I’m participating in.

{Did you read Week 1?  Week 2?  Week 3?  Week 4?}

This Mom’s Review: Week 5

Today’s study is based on 1 Peter 3:1-7:

¹Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

²While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

³Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

⁴But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

⁵For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

⁶Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

⁷Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

The Scripture above makes it sound like we already behold chaste conversation coupled with fear.  That means it’s not an option, rather two qualities that God expects of us without any reasoning or alteration on our part.

What is chaste conversation?

It’s how you present yourself not only in language, but in actions.  Are we being pure in all we say and do, or are we being obscene in our selection of words and decisions?

It really bothers my husband when I use a poor choice in words.  It’s the same way I felt when I heard others used those words, yet here I am letting those distasteful words slip out!  Yes, I’m afraid I’m talking about slang and curse words.  I have a few that I’ve allowed to enter my vocabulary.

Even the word ‘stupid’ is distasteful and when my kiddos say it, I scold them only to be reminded of my own frequent use of the word.

What is fear?

No, it’s not to be fearful because you have an abusive husband.  It’s reverence, which is defined as respect and affection.  I used to think my husband didn’t deserve any respect from me.  Boy, was I wrong!  When I finally stepped aside, allowed God to take the reins, while I did my part as a respectful, submissive wife, I saw God work in a great way in my husband.  I admit, I still have trouble with being respectful and submissive, but my husband and I have grown spiritually and as a couple with this much needed change in my perception of marriage and submission.

It was good to read this selection of Scripture again.  I have it highlighted in my Bible.  It is a humbling reminder of where my marriage could be today {almost ended in divorce} had I not taken it to heart.

Guard your heart against the world’s view of marriage and women’s rights.  Yes, we need rights, but some have went too far – far enough to ruin God’s wonderful establishment called marriage.

I am looking forward to Week 6!

I received a copy of the above study book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.

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