A Woman’s Role in Submission
What is the true role of a woman within her marriage? For most of us the first thought is “submission” and that thought is correct. So why is submission so difficult? I believe there are many misperceptions when it comes to this area of a woman’s role. Some women throw all the responsibility on their husband, as if they are the only person who will give an account for their family. They use their husband’s authority as an excuse for their behavior. It is also easy for women to allow themselves to feel inferior, which again puts responsibility on their husbands instead of on themselves. I think both of those views are inaccurate. The thought “well, he’s in charge so what I do doesn’t matter” is so selfish. His leadership does not take anything away from her responsibility. If the two become one flesh, then wouldn’t they both be judged by their life together? Truly, a man will be judged according to his leadership, but a woman will be judged as well for her role within their union.
Another Scripture that should be considered is in Genesis 3, where the Bible tells us that part of Eve’s curse for sinning will be that “her desire will be to her husband.” We often read in Genesis 2 where it says we were created to be his “helpmeet”, and assume that is where our where our struggle begins. I think that the verse in Genesis 3 gives us an indication that our submission to our husband was part of our punishment, which explains why it can be difficult for us at times. While submission and unity with our spouse the way God planned it would be perfection, submission is difficult because of sin.
I used to question submission all the time. Sure, in my head I knew what I was supposed to do, but translating that knowledge into my heart and actions was a struggle. Then I came across 1 Corinthians 11:3. “But I want you to know and realize that Christ is the Head of every man, the head of a woman is her husband, and the Head of Christ is God.” Have you ever meditated on the fact that while God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all co-equals and all fully and completely God, that God the Father is the Head of Christ? Jesus is no less God than the Father, but He submitted His will to God. He is the perfect example of humility and submission. Think back to Jesus praying in the garden, He asked God to “take this cup from me, nevertheless, not my will but Thine.” He also allowed himself to become human. He had to humble himself to take on human flesh (Philippians 2:7-9). I doubt any of us would do that for love, but that is what Christ did. He did not complain, He willingly came because He loved the world so much, that He did not want anyone to perish. Consider that for a moment. While equal with God, He knew His purpose and fulfilled it perfectly, with all humility. Was Jesus less God because He submitted to the Father? NO! He was fully God and equal to Him. However He was fully committed to His role within His union.
If you continue reading 1 Corinthians 11:8-12 we are told that the “woman was created for the man” From this I have further confirmation that we were created to be our husband’s helper, no question. So my role is further clarified from that verse. Keep reading though, in verse 11 and 12 it says “neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.” These verses again just seemed to penetrate my heart and thinking. It seems to connect with verse 3. Are men and women equal in the Lord? I think the answer is obvious, yes! So, while my husband is the head, we are one in the Lord.
So maybe you are still saying to yourself “So what? I already knew I was to submit to my husband.” The reason I bring these verses to your attention is because they have completely changed my attitude about submission. If Christ, the Holy God was submissive, why should I complain about my role? Being submissive takes nothing away from my standing in Christ. In fact, when I have a submissive spirit, I am living in obedience to Him which is exactly what I should be doing with my life.
