WITHOUT THE WORD. 1st Peter 3:1 The word “likewise” in verse 1 does not imply that wives are to be servants to their husbands, but rather that, in a similar way, they are to submit to his leadership “for the Lord’s sake.” A believing wife does not want to upset her husband, but her motive for submission is that her husband will see what it means for her to be a child of God. Her attitude reflects her faith in God, and her respect for her husband demonstrates her respect for the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for her sins. Her faith and reverence for God are such that her purity and piety leave an undeniable and unforgettable testimony to her salvation.
God established order in families, just as He has in governments, the workplace, and the assemblies of God’s people. Men are not superior to women, and husbands are not to be domineering rulers over women. The marriage of a man and a woman is a living type of Christ and the church. When both are believers in Christ, they share equally in the blessings of God’s grace. When the wife is a believer, and the husband is not, the message of the Gospel is communicated without words to the unbeliever. Consistent Christian conduct testifies to the reality of saving faith in Christ. The Christ- like inward beauty of the new nature she has is seen in the outward conduct and demeanor of her daily life, which cannot be denied.
“Without a word be won” is a business term meaning “to make a profit,” a gain, or a win. Without guile. Without reviling. Without threats. Without words. A lot of things can reach the heart without a word spoken. Silence comes quite easily when a person bows to pray. The watching eyes receive a message: “I’m not the only one who has been in her life since the time she said she was newborn.” Facial expressions send a message of joy or quiet calm. Such simple glory tells a truth just like a hymn or psalm. “She has pressures too – she is putting up with me – But she has a higher view of things; it is very plain to see.”
Her contented demeanor speaks volumes to her husband. He can’t mistake the fact that her life seems so blended. She loves her children and her husband, and loves her Lord also. She lives her life in a Christ-like way to turn those she loves from hell. Subject to his leadership, she doesn’t usurp his role; she knows her subjection unto him reaches down into his soul. He appreciates her ways, and often she says nothing, submitting so that someday she will bring her husband to the Savior. Graceful living for God is more than just a form. To a watching, wondering husband, she lives for God at home. Who knows what simple act or attitude she displays will be the one thing needed, as in the future he will praise.
Submission to recognized authority and responsibility is necessary for a home to function properly. Winning arguments is not winning souls to Christ, but the quality of a Christian wife’s life does; it speaks louder than words. Moral purity and respect are the results of our appreciation for God’s grace and Christ’s sacrifice for us. Loving, consistent service develops inner beauty that lasts, rather than temporary, brief outward beauty.
Love far outweighs looks in a husband-and-wife relationship. We should look our best for our loved one, but it is more important to be godly in conduct, consistent in attitude, gracious in speech, and kind toward others. Children need to see this in their parents, fellow believers need to see it in one another, and those who have never put their faith in Christ should see it in our public conduct.