Men, don’t fear failure; fear being successful at the wrong things.
Real success starts at home. What kind of man are you to your wife? You may be surprised by this, but Peter was a husband. I imagine Peter had much to learn to become the husband that God wanted him to be. This means there is hope for all of us. In I Peter 3:7, he writes, “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Peter gives three very direct instructions to men when it comes to women and in particular their wives:
1. UNDERSTAND THEM. “Live with your wives in an understanding way.” Notice he does not say in a misunderstanding way. The phrase can be translated “live according to knowledge.”
Every man needs to get a PhD in “Women.”
Learn what makes her tick and what makes her ticked off. Men, you can’t say “I don’t know” because ignorance is not an option. Loving your wife has no space for indifference because indifference is the purest form of hate. Men, you are called to be a life-long learner of women. You will never graduate from the University of Womanhood.
2. HONOR THEM. “Showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel.” Let’s be clear, weaker vessel only refers to the physical aspects of a woman. Listen, if you took 8th grade physiology, you know men on average are physically stronger than women. When I hear a noise downstairs in the middle of the night, I don’t wake my wife up and say, “Hey Stacey, go downstairs and check that out.” Men, you honor her by protecting her, by giving her preference, and by placing her needs above yours.
Men, you are to provide for your wife.
You may not be the only provider, but provision is your job. Young single men, do you know what women really find hot in a man? A job! Get one. Honor her.
3. RESPECT THEM. “They are heirs with you of the grace of life.” Peter reminds men that women are equal in every way spiritually. They are joint heirs of Christ and will reign with him just like men will. This is also a practical reminder that every woman has two parts, body and spirit. Men, we must give attention to both. A woman’s external beauty is stunning, but your attention, men, must be beyond skin and shape. Respect her by expressing your interest in her as a whole person. Give her your undivided attention.
Single ladies, if some guy wants to marry you but he does not seem like he has time or interest, then you have a gracious, loving-but-direct talk with him. If he does not change, then you drop him like a used Kleenex. If he’s not respecting you before the marriage, I guarantee you he won’t start after the ceremony either.
Men, success at these things is not optional.
The next move is yours.