"Submissive Wives......Really?" (Colossians 3:18)

Our passage reads, "Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord" ( Colossians 3:18 ). Although this verse is concise and obvious in its meaning, it has proven to be controversial and somewhat difficult to apply practically! On the surface, it's pretty simple, but due to the subjective opinions about what a submissive wife is like, much confusion and difficulty arises! In order to bring clarity to this command, we must answer the question: "What is submission?" The Greek word Paul uses is a military term that's defined as, "To put oneself in rank under another." The principle of authority and submission is taught throughout the Bible. God has ordained this principle in a number of differing areas. We find: Citizens are to be subject to the civil authorities (Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1); children to their parents (Colossians 3:20; Ephesians 6:1); members of the church to their leaders (Titus 2:15; Hebrews 3:17); and wives to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22; 24; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1). Every time the New Testament speaks to the role of wives, the command is the same: "Be subject to your husband." To be honest, we really don't like the idea of submission to authority. However, before we react adversely to this command, we must take into account some mitigating factors. First, we're to understand, that God's purpose for authority, is ALWAYS for the blessing and protection of those under authority and NEVER for the advantage of those in authority! It's out of God's caring love and wisdom that He's ordained proper authority for the BENEFIT of the human race. Whenever the purpose for something is ignored or not known, abnormal use (abuse) is inevitable! When those in authority use their position to further their own interests at the expense of those under them, they are corrupt and abusive and will answer to God! The same is true for husbands! Husbands and wives are to understand and embrace that being in authority means greater responsibility and accountability before God. Second, it's important to know that husbands are never commanded, "Exercise authority over your wife!" In other words, the husband's headship is stated as a fact, but the commands to submit are given to wives. When husbands and wives each pay particular attention to their God-ordained responsibilities toward one another, harmony is inevitable, not abnormal use! Third, to be under authority doesn't in any way imply the superiority of the husband or the inferiority of the wife. Actually, a wife may indeed be superior in intellect and spiritual maturity to that of her husband. But, God has ordained the principle of authority for the proper functioning of government, the church, and the home! To stand opposed to it is to stand opposed to God who brought it about (Romans 13:1-2). Also, to put oneself under the authority of another doesn't imply passivity. Intimate relationships are established on openness and truthfulness in a setting of love! Be encouraged!