“For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening” (1 Peter 3:5-6 ESV).
While it may be natural to focus upon this reference to “…Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord” in this passage, one source reminds us that Sarah also displayed a remarkable depth of character…
“In holding up Sarah as a model, Peter emphasized her good works and courageous faith (compare Heb. 11:11). She followed Abraham into some risky situations where courage and righteous living were required (Gen. 12:15; 20:2).” (1)
So how might we emulate Sarah and follow her example? There are several areas where a God-honoring woman may put these verses into practice. To assist in identifying such areas, here are some questions we might ask…
- Do I invest in my personal spiritual growth by prayerfully reading the Scriptures each day and allowing God to speak to me directly from His Word? (Hebrews 4:12).
- Do I seek God regularly for the wisdom, perception, and discernment necessary to address the challenges of everyday life? (James 1:5).
- Have I worked to develop the God-given talents, skills, abilities, and opportunities I possess? (Proverbs 31:10-31)
- Does my appearance honor God, my husband, my family, and myself? (1 Peter 3:3–5).
- Have there been areas where I have permitted the desire referenced in Genesis 3:16 to grow into an unhealthy effort to control various aspects of my marital relationship?
- What value do I place upon my husband? Where do his needs appear upon my scale of priorities? (1 Corinthians 11:3).
- A woman of discretion knows that her private conversations and intimate knowledge of her husband’s vulnerabilities and shortcomings should not be shared with others. Has that been the case in my life? (Proverbs 31:11).
- Consider the counsel offered to women in the New Testament book of Titus. Have I slandered others in my conversations, abused alcohol, or lived irreverently? (Titus 2:3).
- Continuing in the book of Titus, have I taken responsibility to teach younger generations of women and set the right example for them? If I have had many years of marital life, do I “…urge the younger women to love their husbands and children?” Or, if I am a young, unmarried woman, have I offered the right example for young girls to follow? (Titus 2:4-5).
Answers to these questions can help women of God follow Sarah’s good example in their lives.
(1) Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1684.