RESPECT - Why?

RESPECT: (1) A feeling of admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, achievements or qualities (2) The state of being admired in such a way (3) DUE REGARD for the feelings, wishes, rights or traditions of others.

OK – so now we know what respect is, according to the dictionary. Why do men need to be respected? It is how they have been designed. It has been woven into the fabric of their being. After all, they are created in the image of God. Read through the Old Testament to see God’s response to the lack of respect His bride had for Him – He divorced her! [Is 50:1; Jer 3:8] He put her, his adulterous bride, away. Woman – see the potential result of your lack of respect for your husband and fear God. Turn to Him and repent.

I could imagine the serpent whispering in your ear: “What does this have to do with me and my relationship with my husband? Why should I respect him?” It has EVERYTHING to do with you and your man.

“But I want you to know that the head of everyman is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God … he (man) is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.” – 1 Cor 11:3, 7

That is the God ordained order of headship: God the Father, Christ, husband, wife. Your husband is in an appointed position as your head; he is appointed that position by God Himself. He, your husband, is your king and should be treated as such – not by his own merit, not because of his worth, not because he holds greater importance than you. No. It is simply because THAT IS GOD’S ORDER.

So, WHY should you respect your husband? Because, though it is true that he was created to need your respect, MORE IMPORTANTLY, to NOT respect him is to walk in DISOBEDIENCE to your Creator. Each time you speak with, move with, even think with respect toward your husband, you are walking in obedience to Christ. You are placing yourself in God’s order and thereby under His protection. To NOT do so - to hold onto your pride, walking in disobedience - places you out of order and God Himself will resist you. [1 Pt 5:5]

When you realize and respond to the fact that it is God Himself requiring you to respect your husband, you can move in obedience out of your love for your Savior. Each bit of respect you bestow upon your husband will be an act of worship to your God - more so than 'going to church,' more so than standing and singing 'worship songs,' more so than 'having devotions.'

Woman, search the Scriptures. Find out what God says about your role in marriage. Find out what God says – not Hollywood, not trashy romance novels, not your next door neighbor, not even today’s ‘cultural Christianity.’ Find out what God says. If you are not walking with Him, if you have not been saved by His grace, through faith, if you have not been buried with Him in death and risen with Him to new life, now is your chance. You won’t make it without Him.