Recently, I taught on Ananias and Sapphira. We all know the story – how they died for lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-11). I asked the church, “What if one of them had refused to lie?” One refusal would have saved both lives and their marriage. This shows us that we must never submit to error.
Friend, submission is vital for a successful marriage. The Bible asks wives to submit to their husbands, but it also teaches mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21-22). Mutual submission makes a marriage strong. There are moments when the husband must listen and submit to the wife, because what matters is the will of God, not ego.
In truth, in marriage, we are ultimately submitting to God, not just to a person. We are submitting to God’s will as revealed in Scripture and by the Holy Spirit. We submit to the superior idea, not the superior individual (Genesis 21:12). When couples grasp this, rivalry ends and purpose takes centre stage in the home.
However, we must know that submission should never be done in error. There is a time to respectfully disobey your husband (Acts 5:29). There is a time to stand your ground and refuse your wife’s demand. You must never submit into sin. Your marriage must not lead you to hell or make you lose your God-given destiny.
Beware of blind loyalty and fake submission. Do not allow your spouse to lead you into a ditch (Matthew 15:14). Do not let love make you violate your conscience or disobey God. No husband, wife, pastor, or friend deserves your submission if obeying them means sinning against God (Daniel 3:16-18).
So what do you do when your spouse asks you to do what is wrong? Discuss it openly, insist on obeying God’s Word, pray about it and for your spouse, and seek counsel from a trusted authority over your marriage. Gently persuade them to reconsider. Above all, resolve to stay with God. God placed you there to help safeguard your spouse from error (1 Corinthians 7:16).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria
