In the last few passages, Peter constructs a funnel of relationships. Government at the top, then society & workplace. Today is the narrow end of the funnel, in the home, with husbands and wives. Success in every relationship in the funnel requires two things: Honor/Submission, & Cherish. Submission has such a negative connotation, doesn’t it? Especially when we believe people don’t deserve it. Have you ever held resentment towards someone, Resentment so strong it turned to disdain? It seems the closer the relationship, the more likely resentment can take root, it becomes a cancer to the priesthood. The further into this relationship funnel the more difficult consistent submission/honor & cherishing becomes. At the top of the funnel, you can fake it for a bit, but the closer to the bottom the more our weakness is revealed. Following the example of Jesus consistently with my wife is far more difficult, and we’re both believers!
