Within marriage, many women believe lies about their role. Some women believe their role is not as superior to their husband's role as well as some women believe in an incorrect view of submission.
The word “submission” can raise tension in most rooms; however, from a biblical perspective and a biblical approach, this word should not cause tension to rise.
Instead, God created a marriage between a man and a woman unique. Each has its own roles, but they do not compete — they complement.
It is important to reflect on these truths rather than rejecting them. Women do not need to believe lies about their role in marriage. Moreover, women do not need to believe any lie the world tries to tell us.
The world tends to target women to make them feel inferior, which is a tactic of the devil. Women are not inferior in any form or any fashion. The Bible tells us we are all equal, both men and women (Galatians 3:28).
1. Women Are Inferior
One lie that women believe about their role in marriage is that they are inferior. Due to the patriarchy, many women are taught from a young age that they are inferior, and this goes into adulthood, which goes into marriage.
Sadly, many churches teach this incorrect view and treat men as superior. Nowhere in the Bible does God say men are superior to women. Both men and women are equal, and both are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).
Women are not inferior. While the world has come a long way, there is still a long way to go, especially among Christian communities. Women should not be treated as “lesser than” or the “weaker partner.”
In truth, women are equal to men, and they are not weaker. Women are responsible for carrying babies as well as delivering them. This takes much strength, endurance, and perseverance. Nobody should view women as inferior because it is not true, and it is not biblical.
Jesus loves women, and during His earthly ministry, He went out to them. He did not treat them as inferior, nor did He ignore them.
Christian communities today need to take special note of this. They are not acting in accordance with the Bible when they treat women as inferior. In the same way, husbands do not need to treat their wives as inferior because they are equal to them.
2. Submit to Everything
A second lie women believe about their role in marriage is that they have to submit to everything. This is not true, as women do not need to submit to everything their husbands say. They are only required to obey if it is in accordance with the Bible.
If your husband tells you to do something that goes against the Bible, you are not obligated to do it. If your husband is ever verbally, mentally, physically, or sexually abusive to you, know you can leave him and file for divorce.
God does not call you to stay in a marriage where you are being abused. Sadly, many men used the aspect of submission to be abusive toward their wives. This happens a lot within Christian communities, and it is something that needs to be spoken about more.
Women do not need to submit to individuals who are hurting them, and husbands shouldn’t be abusing their wives in the first place. Rather, there needs to be mutual love, respect, and compassion between a husband and a wife.
If you ever feel unsafe in your marriage, you need to reach out to someone. Reach out to a friend, a parent, or a therapist. Any of these people will be able to help you and provide you with the safety you need.
Don’t think you have to stay in every and any situation. Instead, know when it is time to step out and understand what God actually says concerning marriage. Never does God tell a woman to stay with a man who is abusive, possessive, and misusing Bible verses against her.
3. Endure Anything
A third lie women believe about their role in marriage is that they are to endure anything. Similar to submitting to everything, women are not expected to endure anything from their husbands.
Even though you married this man, it does not mean you are bound to stay with him no matter what. You are not to endure insults, threats, or physical abuse. God does not endorse this kind of relationship. Rather, He condemns it.
A husband is supposed to love his wife and care for her as his own body (Ephesians 5:28). As one can see, there is no room for abuse or for a woman to endure every hurtful word thrown at her.
Marriage is supposed to be a beautiful thing to reflect Christ and the church to the world. This is not being done if a husband makes his wife endure his terrors.
Sadly, many men can become possessive over their wives, and their wives can become figuratively and literally a punching bag for them. Don’t allow yourself to remain in this situation. You need to get out, notify the police, and stay with trusted friends or family.
4. Not As Important
The fourth lie women believe about their role in marriage is that they are not as important as their husbands. This could not be further from the truth, as women are equally as important as men.
Nowhere in the Bible do we see God saying husbands are more important than their wives. Rather, we see that their roles complement each other.
Only when these roles are being fulfilled do we see a reflection of Jesus and the church. We see this through the love a husband has for his wife and how he protects, loves, and cares for her.
As the woman in the relationship, you need to know that you are just as important as your husband. Both you and your husband are responsible for showing Christ to the lost world.
You have to work as a team and build each other up. This cannot be done if you believe you are not as important as your husband. Your husband is important, but he is not more important than you. Both you and your husband are equally important and equally loved by God.
5. Your Purpose in Life
A fifth lie women believe about their roles in marriage is their purpose in life. Many women believe their role within marriage is to just be a wife and to have children.
The old saying, “pregnant and barefoot,” didn’t come from nowhere, as many women think this is their entire life sentence.
If you are married, know that your entire life is not found in your husband, your marriage, or your children. Your entire life and your eternity if found in Christ. Don’t lose your purpose in church rules or in legalistic teachings.
A woman’s purpose in life is not to get married and have children. Rather, her purpose is to serve Christ and help others come to know Him (Matthew 28:18-20).
Women are equally responsible for taking part in the Great Commission. While there is nothing wrong with getting married and having children, it is not a woman’s sole purpose in life. Rather, it is just an aspect of it for some women.
For further reading:
5 Lies Women Believe about Their Place in the Family
5 Lies Women Believe about Their Roles in the Church
What Is the Biblical Definition of Marriage?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Sam Edwards
Vivian Bricker loves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master's degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures.