In a time when culture teaches self-rule and independence at all costs, the Bible calls Christian families to something radically different: God’s order. One of the clearest teachings in Scripture—yet one of the most resisted—is that wives are to be subject to their husbands.
In a recent sermon at Valley Church of Christ, we opened the Word and addressed this often-avoided truth, not to stir controversy, but to call believers back to God’s original design for the home.
Biblical Submission Is Not Oppression
Let’s be clear: submission is not about one person being more valuable than another. Jesus Himself submitted to the will of the Father (Matthew 26:39). Was He any less divine? No. Submission is about order, trust, and obedience, not inferiority.
1 Peter 3:1 says:
“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives.”
The goal is spiritual. A wife’s example—even in a home where her husband isn’t living faithfully—can have eternal impact. Her role is powerful, not powerless.
What Does Submission Look Like?
Submission doesn’t mean silence, weakness, or agreeing with everything your husband says. It means honoring his God-given role as the head of the home (Ephesians 5:22–24), even when you might handle things differently. It means trusting that God works through His order—even when it’s hard.
As was stated in the sermon: “You don’t submit because your husband is always right. You submit because God is.”
The World Doesn’t Like This. God Still Commands It.
It’s no secret: the idea of wives submitting to their husbands is offensive to much of the world. But truth has never depended on public opinion. At Valley Church of Christ, we believe every part of the Bible is inspired and authoritative—even the parts that are uncomfortable.
Paul writes in Titus 2:4–5 that older women should teach younger women to:
“…love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
That last phrase is sobering. When Christian homes ignore God’s design, the Word of God is dishonored.
A Call to Faithful Women
To the women reading this: your example matters. Younger women are watching. Your children are watching. The church is strengthened when you live your role with humility, strength, and faith.
Submission is not about control—it’s about Christ. You submit because He is your Lord, and you trust His way above the world’s.