Torch, Summer 2001

8 TORCH / Summer 2001 The Submissive Spouse contextual makeup of the passage, that, as a part of loving, there is to be a sense of submissiveness on the part of the husband as well as the wife. I think it is important to understand that those in authority in the marriage context—husbands —also have a responsibility to submit to those they lead. Doing so helps to produce a spirit of humility in the gender that usually needs it more. We would reject any treatment of this passage that suggests that wives are required to submit to their husbands but not to love them. We should also reject any treatment that suggests that husbands are to love their wives but not submit to them. Marriage is incomplete if either submission or love—by either party—is missing from the package. The issue is what submission means in this context. The Greek word “submit” is a military term. It has to do with being under obedience to an ordained power of authority. There is nothing degrading about it. The biblical view of being submissive is equivalent to the attitude of being teachable. A wife who chooses to submit to her husband is not any less of a person by this decision. I would argue that living according to God’s rules makes you more of a person. Submission does not destroy freedom. It promotes freedom. It’s like being a part of an orchestra. The different instrumental sections submit to the conductor. Each of the instrumentalists in a fine orchestra is expert in his or her singular role. But they fill those roles in concert with others to produce a beautiful sound. Just as a fine instrumentalist’s submission to the conductor is meant to ensure harmony in a symphonic presentation, a wife’s submission is meant to ensure harmony in a marriage. A large denomination recently passed a resolution affirming the biblical teaching about a wife’s responsibility to submit to her husband. The culture just about came unglued, implying that the Continued on page 10 Call 1-800-837-2566 for more information. October 12-14 Join us as we celebrate the many places God is taking Cedarville and our alumni! Visit with friends, see the campus, and enjoy the festivities. Highlights include: 4 9-Hole Golf Scramble 4 Homecoming Parade 4 Reunions for Classes Ending in 1 and 6 4 Athletic Events 4 Special Reunions for BBI, Summer Studies ’91, Australia MIS, Women’s Soccer, Music Majors, and Christian Ministries Team Leaders 4 Special 50-Year Reunion 4 4HIM in Concert