In a world where our neighbors, friends and co-workers may
have world views very different from our own, how we speak about what we
believe matters. (Actually, it matters even if we live in a world which is not so
diverse, but that’s a different issue—it becomes especially important within a
pluralistic culture if we desire to be understood properly.)
I was reflecting on that when I read this brief quote by
John Stott. What he says is worth thinking about:
Submission and obedience
In my view the 1662
Prayer Book marriage service was wrong to include the word 'obey' in the
bride's vows. The concept of a husband who issues commands and of a wife who gives
him obedience is simply not found in the New Testament. The nearest
approximation to it is the cited example of Sarah who “obeyed Abraham, calling
him lord.” But even in that passage the apostle Peter’s actual instructions to
wives is the same as Paul’s, namely, “Be submissive to your husbands” (1 Pet.
3:1-6). And ... a wife’s submission is something quite different from obedience.
It is a voluntary self-giving to a lover whose responsibility is defined in
terms of constructive care; it is love’s response to love.
[excerpted from The
Message of Ephesians
(The Bible Speaks Today series: London: IVP, 1979), p.
238.]
(The Bible Speaks Today series: London: IVP, 1979), p.
238.]
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This entry was posted
at Monday, January 25, 2010
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Christian faith,
John Stott,
Words
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