What do women really want?

 

Hahahaha! I can imagine the title of this one will really get the attention of both MEN and WOMEN alike!

And just to let you know, I DO NOT HAVE AN ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION! 

I am studying 1 Peter 3 today and like most people, the wording of this passage is a little disturbing if you just read it on face value. Depending on the translation wives are told to submit to their husbands or they are told to accept their authority, or be in submission. I don't often use The MESSAGE which is NOT a translation but a paraphrase. They paraphrase this verse as "Wives be RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS of your husband." Regardless of your translation or paraphrase, the words can be taken SO WRONG and OUT OF CONTEXT.

"In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives." (1 Peter 3:1-2, NLT)

I was reading in a commentary on these verses. The writer shared the thoughts of a seasoned, famous psychiatrist. He said, "After thirty years of studying women, I ask myself, 'What is it that they really want?'" This seasoned professional had NO ANSWER to my question. He professionally studied this question with all of his degrees, titles, and awards, yet he had no answer.(1)

In that exact same commentary, Garry Smalley said most of the problems in marriages center around the fact that men and women are TOTALLY different.(1) He said we have to make a concerted effort to understand and to KNOW our wives. I would add YES, and AMEN. I admit I do not understand Stephanie as clearly as I would like. But, I DO KNOW THIS. All my effort is worth it. I learn so much from her. 

God has sent me Stephanie as an EQUAL partner in life. And GOD knew I would not be the man he called me to be without HER. I am so thankful she has the patience and the heart to help me to grow in my faith. I watch her. I observe her and I learn from her about what it means to be a true follower of CHRIST. 

THAT is exactly what Peter was getting at. He was telling Stephanie, "Accept Steve even in his weaknesses, his flaws, his quirks, and in all his failings, and gently teach him by YOUR LIFE, how to be a better man and specifically a better man of God. 

SO, what is MY PART? 

"In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered." (1 Peter 3:7, NLT)

Do you want to hear my translation of that/ Do you want to hear what the HOLY SPIRIT is telling me with these verses? Well here it is:

"Treat you wife with the love and respect she deserves. Work hard to learn from her wonderful example as you live together. She might be physically weaker than you but I have placed her with you so you can learn how to follow me, through her. I created you different on purpose because you can't be the man I want and need without her. BUT, you are both equal partners in this life. Your purpose is different, but equal. And when you BOTH submit to me you each will receive eternal life." (STEVE RHOADES paraphrase of 1 Peter 3:7)

The question isn't really, "What do women really want?" The question is "WHAT are you going to learn from this wonderful blessing and gift God has given you?" 

Thank you Stephanie for TEACHING me how to be a better man of God through your words, your heart, and your life!