Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 9
Margie teaches that submission is like a “hard hat” that gives protection, and that being “willing to suffer wrongfully” (1 Peter) can silence accusations more than “carefully crafted words”; what makes this teaching uncomfortable, and how do you process it in situations where the husband is actually wrong, unfair, or spiritually negligent?
Another way to ask: What feels hard or upsetting about her view of submission and being willing to suffer unfairly? How do you handle this teaching when a husband is clearly wrong, unfair, or not leading spiritually?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
This teaching is uncomfortable because it calls a wife to surrender control, accept potential misunderstanding, and trust God’s protection even when she feels justified and “right.” The transcript processes unfairness by emphasizing accountability to God for your response, the possibility of respectful appeal, and trusting that God can work even when you don’t feel heard.
- She says surrender “allows God’s protection. It’s like a hard hat,” and without it “everything is going to fall on our own heads.”
- In disagreements, she teaches: “Be willing to suffer wrongfully,” referencing 1 Peter and saying submission can “silence accusations” more than “carefully crafted words.”
- She stresses responsibility: “You answer to God for your response, regardless of your husband’s words. That’s his department.”
- She acknowledges surrender is hard: “It’s not easy… not natural… not a one-time event… and I have not learned it well.”
- She warns against false submission: grudging compliance isn’t submission; doing it “so they’ll change” is “manipulation.”
- She includes appeal as a biblical outlet: Esther fasted, waited, spoke respectfully, was honest, and was “workable.”