Sunday, June 14, 1998

Submission God's idea, not man's

By Vera Winkler / Guest Columnist

I would like to take this opportunity to express my views regarding the article in the Abilene Reporter-News by Bonnie Erbe published on June 10.

Firstly, the Southern Baptists didn't create, nor can they take credit for "wives submit" to your husbands or husbands to "love their wives." All of this credit belongs to God. He said it first!

Secondly, Ms. Erbe, you are very confused or very misinformed, certainly you have a lack of knowledge about our Father's meaning to both of these phrases.

Marriage is symbolic of "the church." The church is not a denomination, but all Christians that believe.

Submission is not forced on wives (Colossians 3-18). It is a free choice of their will. In other words, we submit to our husbands in like manner to the way we submit to Christ.

Being orderly, gentle and having precious ways towards our husbands, and respecting (with reverence) his being the head of our household is what true submission is (1 Peter 1-8). It is not being a beaten-down, beaten-up doormat.

Husbands, on the other hand, have a much harder task at the calling of Christ. To "love your wives" as Christ loves the church means great sacrifice for husbands. Christ died for the church! It is giving of oneself for the benefit of another without thought of a return, it is not rude, harsh, unkind or cruel (Colossians 3-19).

It is understanding, honor, joint heirs together, one mind, compassion for one another, courtesy, tender-hearted, forgiving , not railing (1 Peter 7-10).

It is loving their wives as their own bodies, for a man who loves his wife loves himself. (Ephesians 5-25). It is not being bitter against them (Colossians 3-19). It is to oversee them and feed them in spirit and with substance (Acts 20:28).

It is to put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking to be put away ... with all malice (Ephesians 4:31). It is to protect and provide (Ephesians 5:22).

So you see, husbands can bring their wives to "willing submission" with this kind of love and wives can bring their husbands around to loving them with that type of submission.

All in all it makes sense that if two people can strive to live as God has said, then it makes for a great union and a happy, contented family. And my emphases are on "family."

Ms. Erbe, God says his people perish for the lack of knowledge, and you are part of his people. Please do yourself a favor and research God's word before you make statements like the ones you made in your article.

Hopefully you will find the truth and God says, the "truth will make you free."

He is a loving savior. He does not hate the sinner, he hates the sin. Through his love we live by grace and the "hope of glory."

Again, Ms Erbe, check out what God has to say, lean on it, believe in it: It is the only truth worth holding onto. God is mighty to being your God. He loves you and "love never fails."