A Modern Day Rib in Action - Week 2 (cont)

So, now that I understand why the Lord created woman from a man's rib. What am I supposed to do with that? What does that look like in my life? Hebrews 4:12 says "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart". I feel convicted that I have not lived up to my calling as a critical part of my husband, his wife. I tend to treat us as two separate entities, some times at odds with each other, rather than one flesh joined in holy matrimony.

"If your husband did not speak to you inappropriately, but did hurt your feelings, consider if what he said was an actual sin or a personal offense. If it was the latter, prayerfully consider overlooking the offense rather than expecting your husband to always behave in a manner which is pleasing to you - as I'm sure this is a great burden none of us can bear...that's why we have Jesus!" - Sunny *Emphasis mine*

The above quote from Sunny in our Bible study left an impression with me. I am a perfectionist and if anyone, especially my husband, points out my sin or where I may be wrong, my pride is hurt and I can become extremely defensive and desperate to prove that I am right and not wrong. I need to pray to the Lord that I will begin to take constructive criticism better and use that information as a blessing to help me change and become more Christ-like.

A Wife and the Rib - Week 2

I have never put much thought into why God created woman from a man's rib until I began studying this week's topic in the bible study I am participating - A Wife's Biblical Submission. I began to delve down into the idea by studying the Bible and it never ceases to amaze me how harmonious and how relevant it is to our lives today as much as it was 2000 years ago. There was a time when I didn't believe in God and I certainly didn't believe the Bible had any position of authority in my life. Woe was me. Jesus himself said he is the bread of life. He is the living bread that came down from heaven and whoever eats of this bread will live forever. Jesus is also the Word. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14). Reading God's word in the Bible is life giving... it is essential to our spiritual and physical well-being. The Word is life. All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God's people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). It would behoove me to ignore the Bible's teachings and I am very thankful for being lead to this study on Proverbs 31 so I can learn how God values wives and mothers and what his plan is for me. I have a feeling it is in stark contrast to what the world teaches.

Often times the term "submission" has a negative connotation... especially today where the feminist mindset pervades society. Even for me, hearing the word sometimes makes me bristle. That is, until I really had a good understanding of what biblical submission really means. Like I said in a previous post, our Lord is orderly and precise. Even from a worldly perspective, systems and institutions run smoother when there is order... even a hierarchy. Not every one can be the boss. God, in his infinite wisdom, knew this from the beginning. The leader of the Christian home is the husband. Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. It doesn't end there... Husbands are admonished too. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself (John 5:22-28). To me that doesn't sound oppressive.. it sounds like a beautiful union.

So why the rib? Why not the skull bone? Or perhaps a bone in the foot? The rib is both delicate and strong and is vital to the well-being of man as it protects two of the most vital organs - the heart and the lungs... the rib protects life. It is in the man's side.. notice not above him or below him. Husband and wife are to be partners... one flesh (Ephesians 6:31)... equal in worth, as they are ONE, but with different roles. As Freddie's wife, I am not powerless as some would label a "submissive" wife. I have incredible power... I can love him, support and bless him through my protection or I can tear him down.

The Lord has really opened my eyes to some of my bad attitudes and behaviors towards my husband. It is unbelievable how blinded we can become. Scary, actually. In our sinfulness, we are so "entitled". Selfish, really. I train my children to "love one another" and "consider others better than yourselves" yet I don't treat my husband.. my very own flesh... as if he were better than me. I am all consumed with me, me, me. How can I get so exasperated at my 2 year old when she is insistent in not sharing the Crayola piggy bank turned robot arm when I behave no better? My behavior may not be so overt but it is selfishness, all the same. My heart's desire is to serve my husband. How can I make him more comfortable? How can I help him relax and unwind from a hard day at work? How can I show him I appreciate how hard he works and his provision for our family? How can I love him better?

I have a lot to think about.

A thought to ponder: There is no one or no thing in all the earth God has created that God gave the ability to either be the most injurious or that provides the greatest blessing and strength to a husband than his wife.
How will you use the "power" God gave you today?
(From Sunny at A Wife's Biblical Submission online study)