Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 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.

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Having prepared us by pointing out our call to suffer unjustly, Peter’s walk through increasingly intimate relationships ends with the most intimate human relationship of all, that between a husband and wife.

We know from previous passages that the readers were inclined to love unfamiliar people more readily than those closest to them. With this in mind, check for the tendency to correlate familiarity with entitlement, seeing closeness to someone as license to impose preferences more freely… whether you are married or not.

Peter’s description of the roles of husband and wife is meant to shatter any parameters we bring to our relationships, if they are to be God-honoring. To glorify God, we must conform our obedience to his standard above all else. Whatever it takes at whatever the cost, even if that means enduring unjust suffering.

Conversely, God is giving us insight into what attracts and delights his heart. He is giving us the answer key and the point is to follow it! To think that we can crash-land into his heart via our own route and expect it to flutter in affection is deplorable.

But we feel discriminated when called to different roles.

Just the sheer quantity of requirements for the wife over the husband can leave one distraught. However, it is God’s very picture of equality - wives in obedience to Christ, will gain the same inheritance as their husbands, their co-heirs.

A soccer goalie may feel left out if his striker is particularly dominant. He may even feel envious playing in the shadow of the striker’s goals after all, the cameras follow the ball and not the players. But it would be absurd of him to leave his box and join the attack. His role is to stay within and endure the stretches of anonymity for when he disregards this, it becomes clear that his power is not in his feet but his hands.

Moreover, how would the team respond to one of their own going rouge? What would the coach say?

Strife with our teammates creates strife with our coach, so get along with them lest your relationship with the coach be hindered. We have the winning game plan laid out for us by the best strategist and encourager. Learn to excel and enjoy what you are called to do. When the prize is rewarded, you will get your share.