Submission Part #2

Finally after only a 6 week break between these two parts, have I had the time for this. So, I apologize for the delay.
In Part #1 we briefly discussed the basics in what submission means. I want to cover two things in this part.

A. Give simple examples of submission in marriage as well as in courting.
and
B. Give biblical examples of the attributes a godly, submissive wife has.

I find that even typing this out helps me tremendously as being a reminder of my duties as a young Christian woman. Even though I am a single mother, I find that this area doesn't apply to just the women who are married, engaged or courting. The practicalities of this are endless. I will only give a handful of examples simply because there just isn't enough room or time to give them all.

Example #1 Be an encouragement. This is crucial! When he's down, support him. Reassure him. Let him know you are there for him and will be there as his support. Be grateful for the little things as well as the big things he does and make sure he knows you appreciate him. Say things that build him up. Encourage him to use his spiritual gifts in ministry. {1Thessalonians 5:11-12 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction. 1Timothy 4:4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude}

Example #2 When you are with others, always talk about him in a positive light. Whatever gripes you have about him, should be handled with caution. You are a representative of him. Not only is it making him out to look bad in the eyes of others, but it shows your bad attitude towards his shortcomings. Biting our tongues in this 95% of the time is wise. Be warm and gracious to his friends and family. Make your commitment to him obvious. Do not argue with him in front of others. Wait until a time where you two are alone to discuss things. {Proverbs 31:12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 10:19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.}

Example #3 Being attentive to your spouse's goals and needs are very important. Ask him once or twice a week what his plans are for the coming week. If he has a bunch of tasks, errands and the such needing to be done, make the time to help him take care of them as much as possible. Men generally deal with more stress at the workplace than women, which makes your role essential. Especially if you stay at home! The less stress he has to deal with aside from his job, the happier he will be at home. {Proverbs 31:13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. Proverbs 31:15 She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. Proverbs 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.}

Example #4 PRAY!PRAY!PRAY! You cannot pray enough either for him, with him or in reguards to your role. This also is key. Cease from praying and you will see the damage it will do around you. Your relationship with God is MOST important and must always come first! Your husband comes second, children third and finally family and friends. Your children should see that your relationship with your husband comes before them. If there is division between the husband and wife (this could be an argument, differences applied in child rearing etc etc), there's a good chance your children will suffer the most. {Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus}

We won't always do these things perfectly, but we can certainly try! In Proverbs 31, it lays out what God says the excellent wife to be. She is trusted, fears the Lord, careful, praised, not afraid, wise, generous, good to her husband, of exceptional worth, blessed by her children, worker with hands, respectful and kind.

Proverbs 31:10-31 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.