That's exactly how it was for Sarah, and Peter, in our weekly study of his first letter, holds her up as an example for modern wives.

I Peter 3:1-6

1. He tells today's Christian women to live Christ before their unsaved husbands. Preaching is not necessary. Men do not like to listen to sermons at all, especially from their wives. But be God's gentlewoman around the house and he'll get it.

2. Especially if its coupled with chastity. Dress for your husbands, ladies. Not to impress other men. Cut the "flirty" ways, the overtures to men that make them wonder why... Build up your own man. And respect him with every bit of reverence that God can create in you. Remember your man needs to be revered and you need to be romanced, loved. He's very different.

3. By using Sarah as your example God has let you know that ugliness is not a virtue. But if all your efforts to look pretty don't include a look in God's mirror to see what needs to be done with your spirit-person, you won't look too nice to him or anyone.

4. You might be amazed at how your man, and your God, value gentleness. I know it's not "in", I know you live in a Western culture that values the aggressive woman who will not only go into business and the boxing ring, but even to war. But that doesn't have to be you. God still things your meek spirit is precious!

5-6. We all like to look back to the good old days. Peter, too. He wistfully remembers men like Sarah, and brings them before his present hearers as a model. You be listed as kin to Sarah if you'll continue being a good wife, and if you will not be afraid. Yes, most wives don't follow their husbands because of fear. What if he's wrong? What if he fails? What if we lose our security? What if we lose our place in the community? Peter says, you need to put that fear away and submit to that special guy as though he were the Lord Himself. Try it. It's good for ya.