Fulfill Your Roles

“In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:1-7

God gave each of us a role to fulfill in the home. Dad, you are to love your wife as Christ loved the church. Mom, you are to submit to your husband. To ignore these principles - regardless of what else you do to try to compensate for them - is to set your children up for failure. On the other hand, fulfilling your God-ordained role in the home is taking a giant step toward keeping your kids on your team.

God’s role assignments were made with our children in mind. A submissive wife and a loving husband provide a solid basis for the mental and sexual health of their children. If your “coaching” roles are uncertain, do the following:

1. Ask your kids who they think controls your home.

2. Study these passages, and ask God to give you insight into how you can better fulfill your roles in the home: Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Peter 3:1-7.

3. Wife, ask your husband if he thinks you communicate a spirit of submission.

4. Husband, ask your wife if she feels that you are in control of things at home or if she feels the burden of the home is on her.

Anyone can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.