Many times, a preacher will present an ideal in a sermon without mentioning how hard that ideal is to reach. Life is full of lessons, some learned the hard way.
The truth can be uncomfortable, even painful, but it remains the truth.
Think of it this way: if you touch normal, healthy skin, there is no pain. But if you press on a sore or an injury, it hurts! In the same way, God’s truth can touch areas of our lives that need healing, and sometimes, that healing process is not easy.
Just because people in a home are saved does not mean the home is a “Christian” home. There is more to it than that. What we need more of in our communities are “Christian” homes. Today, let’s consider what the Bible says about the role of a Christian wife, according to 1 Peter 3:1-4:
1 Peter 3:1–4
“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
God’s Order and Authority
Throughout Scripture, when God addresses relationships, He begins with those under authority before addressing those in leadership. This pattern is seen repeatedly:
Wives are addressed before husbands.
Children before parents.
Servants before masters.
This structure does not mean inferiority but establishes order for a godly home. The Bible teaches that a wife is not of lesser value than her husband, but she is to submit to his leadership as part of God’s design for the home. This submission is not about weakness but about following Christ’s example.
The Example of Christ
The word “likewise” in 1 Peter 3:1 connects back to Christ’s own submission to the Father. Christ, though equal with God, humbled Himself to fulfill God’s plan for salvation. Wives, in a similar way, are called to follow God’s design for marriage, even if their husbands are not believers. A godly wife’s character and conduct can have a powerful influence, even leading an unbelieving husband to faith in Christ.
Biblical Teaching on Marriage Roles
The idea of submission in marriage is often misunderstood. The Bible does not command wives to submit because they are less important, but because marriage is a picture of Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:22-25 explains:
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
This submission is not about blind obedience or tolerating sin or abuse. A wife’s first loyalty is to God, and she is never expected to follow her husband into sin. Acts 5:29 reminds us, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” A wife’s submission is ultimately an act of obedience to the Lord, not just to her husband.
True Beauty: The Heart of a Godly Wife
The world often measures beauty by outward appearance—hairstyles, jewelry, and clothing. But God values something far greater: “the hidden man of the heart.” A woman’s true beauty is found in a meek and quiet spirit, which is “of great price” in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:4).
This does not mean a woman should neglect her appearance, but it emphasizes that her character is far more important. Outward beauty fades, but a godly spirit lasts forever.
The Influence of a Godly Wife
A wife who follows God’s plan for her home wields great influence. Her godly character, respect, and love can bring peace and order to the home. Titus 2:3-5 instructs older women to teach younger women to:
Be sober-minded
Love their husbands and children
Be discreet and chaste
Keep the home and be good
Obey their own husbands
Why? “That the word of God be not blasphemed.” A Christian home is a testimony to the world of God’s wisdom and design.
The Strength of a Godly Wife
A godly wife is not weak. She is strong in faith, steadfast in character, and influential in her home. Proverbs 31:10-12 describes her this way:
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”
Her strength is seen in her wisdom, her kindness, and her fear of the Lord. She builds up her home, encourages her husband, and nurtures her children in godliness.
Marriage is a sacred institution, designed by God to reflect Christ’s relationship with the church. A godly wife is not called to weakness but to strength—the strength of submission, the power of a gentle spirit, and the influence of a life lived for Christ.
May Christian wives seek the beauty of a heart that pleases God, knowing that in His sight, it is of great price. A woman who follows God’s design for marriage will experience the blessings of a home built on His truth and love.
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