Faith in your...MARRIAGE. The Affection of Submission Jennifer Ireton Marriage, is a joyous union between a man and a woman, living happily ever after, or sort of. It is a desirable situation for most people and something many people receive. This ideal, held by many, can be a reality, but only if there is an understanding of the compromises involved. There is a great responsibility to be accountable to one another, consulting and conferring on many issues as a team. Many times there is disagreement, and resolution is not easily achieved. When we refer to the bonds of matrimony, some see just that, two people tied together. Women have often felt shortchanged when they enter into marriage. Quite often, household responsibilities are not evenly divided, and the women tend to pick up the extra duties. While single, it was easy for her to care for herself, only cooking and cleaning for her own needs. Now, the workload has increased to tending to another person’s needs. Some of the freedoms once treasured by the single woman slip away from the married woman. Taking spur of the moment shopping sprees, running the errands in a certain order, picking the type of takeout or the movie rental. Even though it is just plain consideration for the spouse to inform them of your whereabouts, it does tend to feel restrictive. And the married must now discuss finances with a person who may have a different opinion of necessity, or model for investing. God’s instruction is for the wife to be submissive to her husband (Col. 3:18). So how does a wife find the freedom in marriage if she is bound to being submissive? We must always remember the order in which we are commanded to love, putting God first. In doing so, we will follow God’s will and freedom will follow. Eph. 5:22 states, "You wives must submit to your husband's leadership in the same way you submit to the Lord." We find ourselves at a great level of peace when we come before the Lord and let him take hold of the reigns. Our purpose is to serve Him. So if we follow this command, we would in turn submit ourselves to our husbands, in fact trusting them to be in control. When you have the element of trust in your husband your mind is free from worry. We are now free to receive love from a husband with confidence. It also follows that as we submit as wives, it’s commanded that "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Eph. 5:25. Wives honor their husbands by submitting to them and, husbands sanctify their wives by loving them. The freedom comes in the love they bring to each other through God. When we love in the way God intended, He frees our souls. As a strong, smart, confident woman, I’m not saying submission is easy, or that I eagerly submit. It is something I must make a conscious effort to perform. However, it’s only when I have had the courage to let go, trust and submit, that I see how present God is in our marriage and how He empowers us as a couple. Home                Women's Ministry home