By: Betty Predmore
Most wives feel that it is important to be a good wife. But do we all consider ourselves good wives? Did we start off being a good wife, and get off track somewhere along the way? And most importantly, as we strive to be “good” wives, are we being Godly wives? Maybe some of us are not sure how to apply God’s principles to our marriages and be the kind of Godly wife He knows we can be. We want to be that wife, but we are uncertain of our job description.
Peter was very clear when he spoke of marriage in 1 Peter 3:2….”when they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your reverence.”
Purity and Reverence….two important traits to being a Godly wife. Purity is defined as refraining from acts, thoughts, or desires that are not sanctioned by our marriage vows. Purity applies to our thoughts. We don’t always have control over the impure thoughts that can creep into our minds, but we can decide how we deal with those thoughts. Do we continue to dwell on them or do we turn our thoughts elsewhere? That is a conscious choice we must make. Ephesians 5:33 tell us…”And the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.” Do we show respect, or do we find ourselves withholding that respect when we feel they haven’t done anything to deserve it? Do our husbands have to do some specific thing before we will show them respect? Are there conditions on our respect? How can we show respect to our husbands? Being a good listener is a great way! Do you look at your husband directly when he speaks to you? Does he know he has your attention? Do you give feedback and show your appreciation for his thoughts and ideas? Do you speak of and to your husband with honor? Do you give him “the look” (you know the one….we all have one!), or do you gaze at him softly when he is speaking?
Another great way a wife can honor her husband is to make sure her actions and attitude are pure. Our behavior is a direct reflection on our husbands. Always keep in mind that by being married to a Christian man, we are married to someone whom Christ holds in very high regard. If our husbands are worthy of the love and esteem of Christ, then they are most certainly worthy of the love and esteem of their wives!
