A Wife After God's Own Heart

This book is exactly what I needed. I suggest that every new wife and seasoned vets should read this book if you are trying to become a Christian Wife. This book has taught me alot about God, myself and my marriage. I truly recommended this book!

For a godly woman, the "ideas" in this book will not come as a shock or a way "to keep women in their place." It's God's plan that the husband should be the leader and the wife should be the follower. God has simply given us different roles through His word. It's not a big deal for those who hold God's will at the forefront of their lives. Ephesians 5: 22-24 reads "Wives submit to your own husbands , as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is ahead of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything." Then in Ephesians 5: 25, 28-29 reads "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it....So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church." For this Paul has been at times labeled a "woman-hater." However this is God's word as we see in I Timothy 3: 16-17 that "All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." That is God's plan for the marriage, and God's plan does not change with the times. It's absolutely imperative to understand what the Bible teaches not only on this subject, but in all things. Study God's word to know what the will of the Lord is, and please "enter by the narrow gate." Obedience to His word is key. How is your heart?

The outline of the book is outstanding. It's a shame some people may misread and misinterpret much of what George is relating from her own life experiences. She could have spent more time and space reflecting on the Biblical guidelines for a happy marriage, as well as examples or illustrations from other people rather than herself. The whole issue of submission should not overshadow the role of the wife to provide a check and balance for success and happiness in a marriage.

I feel the need to defend this book a little bit, as it has been pretty well slammed by some other readers. Elizabeth George has a God-given talent for telling it like it is. The reason why several readers have negative feedback for this book, is that she tells the truth about what Scripture actually says. Wives ARE to submit to their husbands and be obedient them. Husbands are put in authority over their wives. In turn, the husband is to love the wife as Christ loves the Church. Of course husbands are not perfect and have their own flaws. A wife is supposed to be his help-meet, though and offer her own counsel in daily situations. It is not the wife's place to be the spiritual leader of the home, nor should the responsibility of providing for the household fall on her shoulders. Her congregation is her children and her pulpit the kitchen table. She should focus her preaching to the children, not her husband. All the time spent controlling him would be much better spent in prayer. I don't understand why so many women want to be so free of authority in their lives. If you have a problem with obeying your husband, than it's possible that your real beef is with God, since that is the way He designed it all to begin with. Read this book. It will help you get back to the basics of what being a wife is all about.

This book goes back to the bible for its direction. I know a lot of women read these books and think that they shouldn't "follow" or have a man "lead" but there's something to it. Marriage as God intended is not what we practice today, which may explain the divorce rate. Trust me, this book will change your life, as well as your husband's. You can not read this book and not have it make a huge impact on how you conduct yourself as a Christian wife.