1 Peter 3:1-6 (1/3)

Review:  At the end of chapter two, we were looking at being submissive to those over us whether it was employer (good or bad), the local leaders, or even the leaders of the country you are in.  That you were to be nothing but respectful and hardworking so that God's glory shines through.

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,  

when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.  

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—  

rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 

For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

~ 1 Peter 3:1-6

So now we are going from your attitude towards employers and leaders to wives towards their husbands.  It opens with the words "likewise" which implies that the same rules for the former apply here too.  Something I think of as ironic is how husband's treat government is how wives should treat them.  How many people do you know say good things or support the government?  Should then wives act in the same manner towards them?  Yeah, we should definitely rise above that.  All our attitudes I think could improve.

Just like government or employers that you work for, even if your husband is not following God's leading you should still behave in a respectful and hardworking manner because then it is your actions that might bring them to Jesus and to living life with Him in their hearts.  Who isn't inspired when then they observe someone working on their behalf in a respectful and kind manner?

However, life should not be based on your actions alone.  How you look on the outside might be important, but it is your character and what makes you you on the inside that is more valuable to God.  I know that you wouldn't get away with not taking the time to care for yourself.  Definitely brush your hair at least (unlike a little girl I once knew) but it is what you are inside that counts most.  So focus your energies on gentleness instead of anger and calm words instead of brash outbursts.  It is surprisingly good for health too.

If you behave this way, you can have that calm assurance that Christian woman have.  There is no reason to be afraid when you are on God's side.  He will always look out for you.