A Standard Marriage

1 Peter 3:1-5,7

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands"

"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."

... This would include the husbands wishes about the way his wife should dress or act as well as her opinion about the way he dresses or behaves should also matter.

In her case if the husband wishes his wife to wear leggings or tights under her skirts, then she should, (she ought do so anyhow) if he does not want her in high heels of any kind, then she should not wear them. (she ought not anyhow) ...

Zephaniah 1:8 "And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD's sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel." This is in reference to not only how we should carry ourselves but also the pagan celebrations and activities involved with the several holidays, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc ... All those which God's word rejects and we as Christians are NOT to be partakers of ...

2 Samuel 1:24 "Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel." This was used in the effect that such things are vain and unholy.

1 Timothy 2:9 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array"

These are just some examples for standards sake ...

1 Thessalonians 5:22-23 "Abstain from ALL appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." This means also in the eyes of the devil for he is an ultimate oppurtunist ... whether by acts against God or by the image you carry ...

Also if the wife defies her husband unjustly and disrespectfully for his wishes with a poor attitude, will that not hinder them in their prayers and relationship as a whole? Nor should the wife of a Pastor be so busy with the works of the church and so directly involved in too many projects. This is the makings for trouble and strife, as I have seen much ...

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."

1 Timothy 2:11-14 "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."

Granted we are in an age where we need women to look after and watch over the children, even in Sunday School, BUT they have been given far too much pull and leverage in the runnings of a church's goings on, hence we have more entertainment value, rather than learning value influencing our young people ... Because the men and women alike have allowed the changes in society to directly affect the way a congregation functions!

- I also do not mean to say that God cannot or does not inspire our women with knowledge or wisdom, BUT Pastors and husbands have allowed too much of it to carry over into the regularities of how a church should be maintained ...

As for the husband with standards, he should most certainly look respectful and not slothful or unclean. Nor should he harm his wife in word or action or demean her in any way, even when his wife chooses to be defiant he should not talk down to her. For that also will hinder the relationship as a whole and interfere with their prayers.

It takes more energy and causes more stress to commit hurtful acts and use painful words against one another than it does to be civil even in times of anger.

Our countries greatest crime has been the breakdown of marriage and family values (including the outward image) and all that has influenced its continued descent ...

Colossians 3:17-19 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them."