“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.”
Ok, men, spotlight’s on you today after a couple days of exploring the spiritual power of women. Yes, that’s right ladies, hopefully you realized from the last two posts that your power lies in the imitation of Christ. Now here’s where things get interesting and we see once again that the kingdom of God is nothing like earth. Essentially, men have the same opportunity for spiritual power that women have: honor your spouse. Be an understanding person (no one ever minds that…).
One of the greatest sentences in all of the Bible is right here in this verse, and it may be one that rubs you the wrong way until you look at it carefully. It says a wife “may be weaker” than her husband, which was true then and in some ways is still true (even though I really cannot stand anyone calling me “weak”). Women in Bible times had very few economic opportunities outside a connection with a husband. Today, there is still sexism and gender discrimination. Women are not as privileged as men. But notice what the kingdom of God is like: a woman is an “equal partner in God’s gift of new life.” Equal. In every spiritual gift. On top of that, men, if you are not treating women as equal partners your prayer life will be in trouble. Turns out God doesn’t play by earthly gender rules.
Here’s your freedom for today: the kingdom of God is an equal opportunity realm. Men, women, slaves, masters, Jews, Gentiles… It doesn’t matter who you are. Step into God’s gift of new life through the Holy Spirit sent by Jesus himself and you are in. That’s it. Just take the gift. You are not better or worse than anyone else in God’s kingdom. That’s why comparing ourselves to others is completely unnecessary and even harmful. It’s also while limiting the roles of women (or men) in the church is harmful. There is no such thing in God’s kingdom. So men, go out and be the most honorable men you can be in the power of the Spirit. Women, chase after eternal beauty and use the power of peacemaking to usher in the kingdom. Be every single thing God made you to be.