1 Peter 3:7
The same goes for you husbands: Be good
husbands to your wives. Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack
some of your advantages. But in the new life of God’s grace, you’re
equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don’t run
aground.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
Please
don’t skip this devotional. This verse is about so much more than just
how husbands treat their wives. For all of the strides we have made in
recognizing the abilities and rights of women AND other “minorities”…we
still have a long way to go.
God blessed me with a husband who
has never treated me as less than equal. Yes, Greg is physically
stronger than I am. But I can’t think of anything that he has ever
discouraged me from doing because he felt I was not capable
intellectually, creatively…or for any other reason. In our nearly 42
years of marriage, Greg has included me in all decisions, made me his
equal, and supported me in any and all endeavors. And I thank God for
such a blessing!
I’ve seen my share of marriages and
associations where this was not the case - and that’s where you fit into
this message. See, we tend to treat a lot of people as “less than” -
in all sorts of relationships…our jobs…friendships…the community…and
even in “church work” and Christian service! We do not honor and
delight in the strengths and abilities of our brothers and sisters in
Christ. We are often so busy making a name for ourselves that we will
do anything and everything to get ahead – even at the expense of someone
else.
As this verse illustrates, when we fail to honor – if not
elevate - those around us, we diminish our Christian witness. When we
do not acknowledge their importance, God is greatly disappointed. God
takes this into account as He considers our prayers and petitions. How
we treat others matters greatly!
People are watching. They
notice how we treat those with whom we interact…family, friends,
co-workers – and even strangers. When we disparage others…criticize and
cut them down…treat them with disrespect as we try to elevate ourselves
to a position of superiority, we dishonor God and discount our pledge
to be Disciples of Christ.
God doesn’t make any
distinction…those in the world spotlight have no more obligation in this
regard than “regular folk” like you and I do. We must stop name
calling, criticisms and cutting remarks, crude and ugly references, and
any form of disrespect or denigration. If we are going to truly honor
God and represent Him, we have to start treating our wives – and all
others – as equals. There is much work to be done in this area…are you
ready to roll up your sleeves and get busy?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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