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June 17 Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers
Teaching the Wives
“That [the aged women] may teach the young women . . . to love their
husbands” (Titus 2:4).
Women who suppose they possess . . . sensitive, refined organizations
make very useless wives and mothers. It is frequently the case
that they withdraw their affections from their husbands, who are useful,
practical men, and show much attention to other men, and with
their lovesick sentimentalism draw upon the sympathies of others,
tell them their trials, their troubles, their aspirations to do some elevated
work, and reveal the fact that their married life is a disappointment,
a hindrance to their doing the work they had hoped to do.
Oh, what wretchedness exists in families that might be happy!
These women are a curse to themselves and a curse to their husbands.
In supposing themselves to be angels, they make themselves fools,
and are nothing but heavy burdens. The common duties of life which
the Lord has left for them to do, they leave right in their path, and are
restless and complaining, always looking for an easy, more exalted,
and more agreeable work. Supposing themselves to be angels, they
are found human after all. 36
The wife may take her position in favor of truth, while the husband
may oppose it. Here a trial comes in at once, the trial of separation
in faith and feeling. Shall we say to that wife, “You should leave
your husband because he does not keep the Sabbath?” No, indeed. If
she was a faithful wife before she accepted the truth, and if she sees
in her friends those for whom Christ has died, she will seek to discharge
her duties with even greater fidelity after she accepts the
truth, that if possible she may lead them to see the light. “But,” it is
asked, “should not the believing wife yield her convictions of duty
because of her husband’s unbelief?” By no means; because Christ is
her Lord and Master. She cannot cast aside the claims of high heaven
upon her. 37
God knows your trials as you view the state of your husband and
children, who so greatly lack saving faith. Much more depends upon
you than you realize. You should put the armor on. 38
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