Love, Honor, and Obey by B J Bassett

In a marriage relationship, there is authority from Christ to husband, and from husband to wife. The authority of Christ is the authority of God. Any man who speaks with God or about God in a way that shows a lack of respect for the authority of Christ, dishonors Christ. In the same way, a wife who speaks with God in a way that shows a lack of respect for the authority of her husband, dishonors her husband. 1 Corinthians 11:3-4

Obey? You’ve got to be kidding me. I don’t think the word obey is even used during many wedding ceremonies anymore.

Because of the era I was raised in and my faith in God and His Word, I never had trouble being a submissive wife, showing respect and honor to my husband as the head of our home. Sure, I can be bossy and stubborn. And I have my own opinion on many subjects.

Our marriage was a partnership and my godly husband treated me like an equal. He was wise and considerate. And he listened to me. Yet, even in a partnership there are situations when someone needs to make a final decision and that person is the head, the final word.

While I’m writing this devotional for wives, daughters of the King can glean from it as well. As wives, do we honor our husbands by being submissive? Do we give him control as the head of the home? As daughters of the King, are we honoring our Father? Are we giving him control of our lives?

I loved being a wife to my dear husband for over 60 years. I also love being a daughter of the King.

When we honor our husbands, we honor God.

Father, Your Word is an instruction book on how to live. My desire is to live my life honoring You in everything I do. I submit to Your will. Amen.

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.