It is sometimes the case that certain Bible verses are skipped over by preachers because they contain obscure words or phrases. Other passages are regularly ignored because it is difficult to find any relevant modern application in them. Still other Scriptures are passed over, not because they are difficult to understand, but because they are so "politically incorrect" that many are offended by the message contained therein. Preachers are sometimes tempted to remain silent on these issues rather than stir up controversy. However, one of the aims of any sound minister of the gospel should be to preach the whole counsel of God's word (cf. Acts 20:26,27). To preach part of the truth is good but not sufficient. The whole truth needs to be taught, regardless of how that message is received.

The aspect of marriage we're going to begin considering in this lesson is one of the issues that often rubs people the wrong way; that is, the proper position of a wife in marriage. I am hopeful that you are a lover of the Scriptures and that you want to serve God to the best of your ability. If so, you will embrace divine truth and not fight against it--even when it instructs you to make changes in your life.

I believe that a blessed marriage is conditioned upon the couple understanding the God-given position and influence of the wife. I know that what I'm about to teach is not embraced by the world today, but so many have lost their way regarding what the Bible teaches on this important subject.

First, let us consider the position that God has given to wives. Simply stated, God has made woman to be a helper perfectly suited for man.Genesis 2:18 reads - "And the LORD God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone: I will make him a helper comparable to him.'" Wives are to be their husband's help--perfectly suited for him. Wives, there is no one better than you to be your husband's helper! Do you believe that? Are you living accordingly?

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD" (Prov. 18:22). A man who has yet to marry should not be looking for the most outwardly beautiful woman he can find. Rather, he should be looking for a godly woman whose desire is to be a helper perfectly suited for him. The Biblical picture of marriage is not just two people living under the same roof. Their lives should be blended into one. She is to be his helper and is to be in submission to him. God has never changed His plan on this. I Corinthians 11:3 declares - "the head of woman is man..." and it has been this way from the beginning. Man was not created for woman; woman was created for man (I Cor. 11:9). Tragically, this is a Biblical truth that has been ignored in American society for decades.

When Adam woke up after his "divine surgery," he saw a woman who was perfectly suited for him in every way. She was it! Wives, when you wake up in the morning, is that your perspective? Is that your outlook on life? Is it your intent each day to be the helper perfectly suited for your husband? If that's not what you're trying to be, you're not fulfilling your God-given role! No matter how "successful" you believe your life is, if you are living in rebellion to God's will, changes are in order!