In 2005, the geyser effect became a viral sensation when Fritz Grobe and Stephen Voltz made a YouTube video. They did some experiments with Diet Coke and Mentos, creating huge reactions. The largest experiment included 101 two liter bottles of Diet Coke and 523 mentos. This well known example of the geyser effect is produced by a physical reaction between the ingredients. Since Diet Coke is carbonated, it contains lots of dissolved gas that wants to form bubbles. Mentos have microscopic rough surfaces that provide a place for these bubbles to form. When combined, lots of bubbles form very quickly and shoot out the top of the bottle.
The Bible has a lot to say about how we should interact and react to other people. One area the Bible gives much instruction on is how husbands and wives should react to one another. There are so many emotions involved in married life, but for Christians, marriage is to be a place of mission and growth. The way you live should point your spouse toward salvation or help them grow in faith. Giving instruction on married life, 1 Peter 3:1-7 shows that both husband and wife have substantial roles in a Godly marriage.
1 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, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 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. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. 7 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. – 1 Peter 3:1-7
From these verses we see:
- Authority and submission are good
The desire to be in control is rooted in our sin nature. However, submission is rooted in God’s character as the Son and Spirit submit to the Father even though they are equal and one. God also created both men and women in His image but gives them different roles of authority and submission within marriage.
- God works through submission
Peter specifically addresses Christin women with non-believing husbands in this passage. He does not say that women are inferior to men, but that wives should submit to their husbands. The goal is for her example to point her spouse to Christ and help win him to the gospel.
- Submission is an inside-out thing
Our internal character matters much more than our external appearance. People should notice that we are humble and full of peace as we display the character of Christ.
- Submission indicates from where you draw your hope
Peter points his readers to the example of Sarah, who submitted to her husband Abraham. They had to trust God to do what He promised, even though it seemed impossible. Our submission is precious to God because it reveals that our hope and trust are in Him.
- Stewarding submission requires submission
As wives are called to submit, husbands are called to lead well. Being a Godly husband means knowing and understanding your wife so you can protect and serve her well. The only way to lead your wife well is to submit to Christ as he leads you well.
All relationships involve actions and reactions, especially marriage. We will often face situations that test our reactions. God will use our Godly reactions to reach the lost and grow the saved.