A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (December 23, 2015)
However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. (1 Corinthians 11:11, NASB)
Cheryl and I have done numerous marriage seminars and we have counseled a lot with married couples over the years. One question that is invariably raised is the teaching about wives submitting to their husbands. We believe that over the years there has been some really bad teaching in this arena so this devotional is going to try to tip-toe through this minefield and try to shed some light on how we think a marriage should operate in this area. We need marriages to operate at maximum power and if we can help you see what real submission in a marriage looks like we think your marriage will be transformed.
True submission brings liberty, not bondage.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luke 4:18)
Jesus is all about setting people free, especially from religious traditions that make the Word of God of no effect. If you look at how women are treated in some other countries, and in some other religions, you do not see freedom, but bondage. Jesus never treated women that way! The Samaritan woman at the well was a prime example. The disciples were astonished that Jesus was even talking to the woman but Jesus treated her with dignity and respect and that woman ended up starting a revival in her own city by telling the men.
We too often still get hung-up on the letter of the law versus the Spirit. We need to use Jesus as our filter when we are interpreting the Word of God. He is the Word made flesh and His actions will help us understand the Word better.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Now, I know there will be Bible scholars out there that will ask, but what about this scripture and what about that scripture. I would just ask you to consider the following key scriptures that may help you see those scriptures in a new light:
However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. (1 Corinthians 11:11, NASB)
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:21)
God calls the marriage a “one flesh” relationship (Genesis 2:24). When God first created man, the man was both man and woman. God then reached in and took out a part of man (rib) and created woman. So, in actuality, when man and woman are submitted to one another in unity they are more like the image of God than at any other time.
The place of unity is the place of power. If two of you agree as touching anything; one can chase a thousand but two can chase ten thousand; how can two walk together unless they are agreed; two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Do you see it!!!!!!
That is why the enemy tries so hard to tear down marriages because he knows if we ever see this he is doomed. There is nothing on this earth any more powerful than a husband and wife being in unity with each other and with God.
My wife and I spent many years competing with each other and struggling for control. God did not make us to compete with each other but to complete each other. My wife is my help mate. She has gifts and talents I do not have and they are there to enhance and complete our marriage.
I want to encourage each marriage out there to reevaluate your relationship for 2016. Are you operating as a “One Flesh” relationship? Are you still struggling for control? Do each one of you have complete freedom to speak your mind and contribute to all family decisions? Have you matured to the point that there are no secrets in your marriage? Do you pray together? Do you refuse to make any major decisions without being in unity?
God has a great and powerful plan for your marriage. All we have to do is submit to Him first, and then submit to each other. I promise you. It works!
