1 Peter 3:7 says: "Husbands, in the same way* be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
Mis-using this verse to try to lord over women is certainly not a way of showing respect. That's not what I'd like to focus on here, but it's hard to ignore a "hard" word or controversial point. I'm more interested right now in this concept of "hindered prayer." If my prayers can be hindered, I would seriously like to know how to avoid that. I don't want my prayers hindered, man.
The verse begins by making reference to "the same way." Previous to that, it talks about wives being submissive to husbands. So, by referencing "in the same way," it's telling us that husbands should submit to wives. Previous to the passage about wives, it talks about Jesus submitting to His Father. Previous to that, it's about slaves submitting to their masters, every man submitting to his authority. I think the lesson here is about humility and submission.
If we aren't submissive and humble, I guess that means we're resistant, obstinant, opposing, fighting, and prideful. If there's one thing (and there are actually very many more) thing that other religions, faiths and cultures can respect about Christianity, it is the central teaching to be humble. To act humbly is almost like spending currency in the "cred" department. Humility is something that can't be faked very easy (and not be detected). To be humble, though, sometimes just takes a reminder. God's Word is good about that. I believe God's Holy Spirit, sent to live with us and teach us, also empowers us to live in humility. It's more than just self-talk and psycho babble. There is something amazing about regeneration.
Getting "saved" or converted is real. Something really happens there.
PS Wow, would I like to complain right now! I've got 9 days left of deadline, but yet I need to secure a new email sending software solution for my website, upload the new issue on the website, and lay out the new issue of the Heaven's Metal fanzine, too. Wow. I'm thankful, though, that I can look outside my window and see beautiful, big horses eating grass here. That's really cool. Also, yesterday I got copies of the new issue of CCM, which features a cover story on David Crowder Band I wrote. Also, UPS delivered 3 boxes of new shirts for us -- the 2008 Worship at Full Volume shirt and the "scenester" shirt. Very fun.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at November 6, 2007 01:42 PM