Peter today turns to the relationship of Marriage. Relationships are incredibly powerful. Proverbs 13:20 reads:
20 Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.
Proverbs 13:20 (NLT)
If you are married, you probably spend more time with your spouse than any other person. They influence how you live, how you talk, what you eat, what you read, and how you spend your money. Through mutual encouragement, prayer, and dedication to the Lord and one another, marriage can be a powerful tool for spiritual formation. Peter even says non believing spouses can “be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives” (verses 1-2).
Years ago there was a woman in our congregation named Laura (I changed her name). She was faithful. Every week she would attend on Sundays, Tuesdays for Prayer, and our Wednesday night service. She loved Jesus, but her husband refused to attend. While he was open to her engagement with church, he himself would resist for nearly 20 years. Week after week we would pray for Laura’s husband. Laura was one of the most Godly women I have ever met, working with MANY High School girls in our youth group and volunteering at the Pregnancy Resource Center.
One day Laura walked into Church with her husband by her side. Reluctantly he sat through a service. Week after week he kept showing up, eventually bringing his Bible, joining a Bible Study, and serving as a volunteer. I will never forget the morning I was on stage during worship and glanced over towards Laura and her husband to see him singing along with worship. I lost it. I have NO DOUBT that Laura and her devotion to Jesus was both salt and light for her husband to experience the Goodness of God.
The Apostle Paul talks about the influence of a Godly spouse:
16 Don’t you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don’t you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you?
1 Corinthians 7:16 (NLT)
This is in no way an elevation of marriage. The Apostle Paul remarks a few verses earlier,
7 But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another.
1 Corinthians 7:7 (NLT)
ALL of us have incredible influence on those that God has put in our lives. As you read today, how is God calling you to love, to submit, and to care for those around you? For whom are you praying? Ask the Lord to help them to see God’s Goodness through you today.
As a reminder, here are our steps for S.O.A.P.:
- Find a quiet place and read the SCRIPTURE of the day. Read it again. Read it slowly. Read it out loud!
- What OBSERVATIONS did you make? What does this passage teach you about God or yourself? Are there any calls to action? Do you have any questions?
- How will you make APPLICATION of this scripture and live your life differently today in light of what you just read? Be specific!
- Let it marinate. Take some time for PRAYER – thank God, confess any shortcomings, and ask to be empowered. Sit for a few moments and see if God has anything else for you.
Here is our passage for the day:
In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives.
1 Peter 3:1–7 (NLT)
3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.
7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.