Extremes

It seems that humanity is always bent into one extreme or another. I am a firm believer in absolute truth,a true Christian has to be. There is no grey or lukewarm attitude allowed in Gods kingdom. That said it seems that most individuals feel a need to add to truth. Sometimes it's in an effort to excuse their grey areas but often it's to make themselves feel more righteous by adding even more rules.The topic of husband and wife relationships in definitely one where extremes abound.
The other day I was at Wal-Mart and saw a couple shopping. The woman bossed that man around with all of the power and conviction of a drill Sergeant, bad parent or pet owner: "STOP IT! Don't touch that" "Get over here!"..Now!" It was truly appalling. I almost said 'poor man' but then though that it's his own fault for taking it. Which one looked worse? I guess that's a matter of perspective but most Christians would probably say it was equal. She was in sin for being a disrespectful, domineering witch and he was in sin for going through life with his tail between his legs. (I guess he needed something there....)
The thing is that if the situation had been reversed it would still have been sin. A domineering, selfish husband that treats his wife as a second class human being is also rejecting Christ's example and direction. How can any man who is "ONE" with or "loving her as his own body" talk to her as if her brain and voice are both unnecessary inventions? How can he enjoy humiliating and tearing her down? He wouldn't IF he were following Christ's example.
Here is where the difference really comes in..the one that will make many people mad at me. The wife getting bullied and taking it is NOT in sin even though the husband is. A victim, sure, but she is under orders from God to obey her husband even if he is a jerk. The good news is that when the wife does honour God by obeying HE will be her vindicator and protection. The man that takes abuse from his wife and obeys her orders has no reward; not on Earth or from Heaven.
Our roles are absolutely different but our value is not.
All in all there would be no debate needed if Christian couples would simply OBEY the Word of God. If we esteemed the other as higher, refused to exalt ourselves or be selfish. If we crucified ourselves for the blessing of our spouse what a wonderful life it would be. The funny thing is how quickly we will quote those verses for friends and strangers but forget them when it comes to our spouse. We need to remember that the WHOLE Bible is an example for our EVERY relationship, not just Titus.

I love this painting. My Noah Bear does the same thing when he's nursing. ~

STOMP!!!!