What does it mean to be free? Are we truly independent? Can it be called freedom if we're enslaved by choice? If we take an honest look at the trends that we're seeing in our country today, it becomes obvious that with every new law that is passed we're giving up one more little snippet of our liberty, but today's topic is not about politics. I'm talking about personal independence. Let me give you an example of what I mean: I've been reading a book that was written by a young woman who described the plight of her mother. The author told how her dad ruled the home with an iron fist, and her mother lived in fear of making any type of decision lest the dad would disapprove and want to "teach her a lesson"...not physically, but with harsh words, public humiliation and intimidation. It's one thing for a child to grow up in that atmosphere when he will eventually have the option to leave home and make his own way in life, but it's a different story for a spouse who is in that situation "for better or for worse and till death do us part." A woman who finds herself in that situation without a way of supporting herself if she was on her own is living in bondage for life.
Actually, it's not just women who live in slavery, because I can name some men whose lives are made miserable by the actions of their wives. Situations like I'm describing can make for an unhappy home life, but the Bible gives us some instructions in this matter that will help to eliminate these types of problems. It instructs wives to obey their husbands, but, thank God, it doesn't stop there. The next line says, "Husbands, love your wives." Do you enslave those whom you love? I don't think so. When a man loves his wife, her happiness and safety are his utmost concern. When a man loves his wife, he will seek her advice and give her a voice in the decisions of the home. When a man loves his wife, he will encourage her to pursue her dreams, and even assist her in that effort. When a man loves his wife, he will never intentionally cause her public humiliation and he will never belittle her or her opinions.
I really don't know how I would advise a wife who feels that she is living in bondage...that's beyond my field of expertise, but I'm of the opinion that if the husband will adhere to the part of the scripture that pertains to him, it becomes much easier for the woman to obey her part.
Preston
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