I'm taking a class at church entitled, "The Christian Home" and to look at the book at first glance most women would say...No Thanks!! The verse on the cover of the book is from the Amplified Bible and reads:
"Let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband-- that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him and loves and admires him exceedingly" Ephesians 5:33
Huh?? Am I supposed to bow down and kiss my husband's feet? What about the womens' rights movement? Hey- what has he done for me lately?? I can't even get him to put his dirty underwear in the hamper and I'm supposed to venerate and esteem him? (What does that mean anyway??)
So, here's a thought...go back and read the verse again. But this time imagine it is speaking about your children, or your best friend. Doesn't seem so bad now, huh? Women are praised for putting their children first. Imagine how you would feel about a friend who treated you this way. Was always there for you, always had your best interest at heart, always listened to what you had to say, cheered your victories and helped pick you up from embarrasing falls flat on your face.
Oh wait- you probably
do have a friend like this. Or you are this kind of friend to someone else. Or this kind of parent to your kids. So why is it so hard to imagine being the same way to your husband? It's not sexist, it's not backward or old fashioned. It's love.
You picked the guy, right? At some point you were all gaga-eyed mushy in love with him. But society tells us that if we treat our husbands this way we're doormats. But treat a complete stranger in the same way and you're the next Angelina Jolie up for sainthood. How much sense does that make? And let me tell you ladies- it works. Treat your husband the way you would want him to treat you. (Shock!) And maybe, just maybe he'll put down the Playstation controller and fold a load of laundry. Stranger things have happened!
