The Only Way To Change Someone Is To Change Yourself...

With the New Year fast approaching, we all have our goals about how we will better ourselves in 2012. Some of us will embark on the getting fit journey, others will try to attend church more often, some will try to get more organized and there are even some who will try to tackle all three. It's funny how the only time we try to change ourselves is during the new year. It's a fresh start. Time to start over. The rest of the year, we are probably spending a little too much time trying to change others. If only my husband would show me more attention. I wish my parents would spend more time with me. My boss is so difficult to get along with, why can't he be nicer? What we are not realizing is the easiest way to change someone is to change yourself. If you change your outlook on people, situations, etc., no one will have a choice but to change with you.

When I first read 1 Peter 3:1-12, I immediately said to myself...no way am I tackling the "obey" your husband verse. After reading it several times, I realized this group of verses is exactly what we need to discuss.

Let's look a little deeper...

1 Peter 3:1-6, teaches us that wives should obey our husbands, whether they are Believers or not, God urges us to respect and obey our husbands.

1 Peter 3:7, teaches us that husbands should honor their wives.

Sounds pretty easy, right? Unfortunately, in our fallen world, it's all about who goes first. Well, I'll respect my husband as soon as he honors me. Why should honor my wife when she doesn't respect me? Honestly, we sound like a bunch of kids. It's no fair Dad. Why do I have to go first?


The amazing thing is, if one person goes first, the other has no where to go but to change. If your husband is all of a sudden honoring you and making you feel special, you will have nothing but respect for him. Same goes for the husbands...if your wife would start respecting you, you will feel nothing but honor towards her.

The change has to start somewhere...why not with you?

As you're making your resolutions for the New Year, think of how you can help others change by changing yourself first. It's amazing the difference it can make in a marriage, a family and a friendship.

1 Peter 3:1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands, even those who refuse to accept the Good News. Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words.


1 Peter 3:7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together.


1 Peter 3:9 Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.