I read this passage and it makes me think about what kind of man I am –
You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. – 1 Peter 3:7
What kind of man seeks to understand his wife, protect her, and honor her as an equal heir of this grace of life? That is quite a man, isn’t it?! This isn’t the brash or arrogant strength that we see so often shown by the immature. That brash strength is fleshly and just a shallow imitation of true strength. Such arrogant brashness leads to war with those closest to him. This isn’t what God wants. This isn’t living out grace.
Did you notice the words, “in the same way”? What way is that? It is the way of Jesus! Peter started this discussion in chapter 2 verse 13 with the word “submit”. Citizens, slaves, women, men, and all of us are called to submit like Jesus. That command is as true for men as it is for the others. We are called to submit. We submit to the way of the Kingdom. We give our life to live like Jesus.
People who live in understanding, protect others, and honor others are the ones who look like Jesus. Jesus submitted to his Father. He understands us. He protects us. In order to do that, he gave up his own life for us. He did not demand glory or respect. He served. He showed us the way. We can’t say that Jesus wasn’t strong. He stood against hypocritical religious leaders, corrupt politicians, and even Satan himself. Yet, we don’t see Him being cruel, callous, or selfish. Jesus followed the way of the Father.
How do we do this? How do we become like Christ? Well, we start with stopping the wars in our lives that are with the people we love. We crucify our tendency toward selfishness and flimsy imitations of strength. When we treat those we are closest to as enemies we show that we are struggling with submitting to Christ. However, if we treat them with love, respect, and gentleness we will be actively submitting to Christ. Which choice will we make? Will we submit to way of Jesus and choose kindness and gentleness or will we keep fighting with those we love? Men – is it time that we decide that we are fighting a different type of war? It is not a war against the people in our lives. It is not a war that can be won by anger, force, or bravado. It is a war against Satan. It is a war against sin. It is a war against pride. Which war are we fighting?
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12
Something to think about,
Pastor John
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