I Peter 3:1-7 “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: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 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.”
Text I Samuel 15:22 “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
The text that I have chosen is one in which I wish to project a principle rather than ponder the practices! A study of this particular passage reveals that these ladies had found themselves in a troublesome situation in which they were unequally yoked with an unbeliever that was hostile to their spouse and the Saviour. The principle that Peter is setting forth is, “To obey is better.”
To obey is better because of the command. In spite of the fact that these ladies were being mistreated, they had a clear command from the Word of God. While it may not be the choice of the natural man, obedience to the clear commands of God should be the choice of the new man! We have clear commands concern salvation, separation, submission, sanctification, and service!
To obey is better because of the conversion, “be won by the conversation.” While they may be lost, they don’t have to stay lost! The heathen that may not respond to the gospel given by the lip may respond to the gospel given by the life. We have the personal promise of the Saviour; “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). What better way of elevating the Lord than through a Christ-honoring life of obedience?
To obey is better because of the compassion, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). What better way to prove to the Lord that we love Him than being obedient to His commandments? Jesus proved His love for the Father by obedience; “I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29). Jesus said, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (John 15:10).
Like these ladies, we may find ourselves in trying times with a seducing spirit encouraging us to go our own way! It is during those times that we need to remember that to obey is better; you will never go wrong by doing right; you have God’s Word on it!