Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Wives, in the same way, accept the authority of your husbands, so that, even if some of them do not obey the word, they may be won over without a word by their wives’ conduct, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, July 24, 2022
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: God asks us to cultivate the best within ourselves so that we can allow room for others to do the same.
Poopy pants. I’m not gonna lie. Being myself a “woman as the weaker sex,” this is a tough text to unravel. I clearly do not agree that women are weaker, or that women must refrain from braids to be better versions of themselves. A braid is, after all, an incredibly effective way of keeping hair out of your face while you’re constructing your she-shed or removing a storm’s fallen branches with a chainsaw.
All joking aside, I don’t think it’s time well spent to talk about what the text isn’t saying. (Or shouldn’t say.) Instead, let’s look at what the text does say.
Firstly, the text suggests that women refocus their energies away from outward appearances toward being the best version of themselves that they can be—especially since our best selves have the capacity to encourage others to be their best selves. I can get behind this. Whenever I’m focused on proving to others that I am beautiful, smart, or competent, I am not spending energy actually being beautiful, smart, or competent. And when I’m living into my best, smartest, most competent self, then I allow room for those around me to become their best selves. That cannot happen if I am judgmental (toward them or toward myself), defensive, or fake. Others can only be their most authentic selves when I am comfortable in my own skin and let them know they can be, too.
Secondly, the text says that husbands are to honor their wives, too. In the time of 1 Peter, this meant respecting, supporting, and treating with kindness the women who often did rely upon them for their food, shelter, and clothing. Today, that may look different for husbands and wives. It might mean that husbands respect that, even in marriage, no means no. It might mean that husbands also cultivate their own beauty, wisdom, and competence so that there is room for those around them to do the same. It might mean realizing that the successes of their wives do not diminish, but can enhance their own successes.
If we look through this lens, that God’s words are always designed to lift up, rather than put down, then the rest of today’s text shines. “Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse.” Yes! “Do not fear what they fear.” Of course! “Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.” Amen, sister! We can live our lives so that when we are asked to be accountable, we can stand tall, strong, and with dignity, and honor God with our being.