The family unit became the foundation of society. All other social structures find the family unit as their foundation. Social scientists view marriage as a foundational social institution because of its cross cultural and geographical nature. David Blankenhorn states that regardless of the variation in marital customs within different cultures, “marriage at its core is a woman and a man whose sexual union forms the basis of an important cooperative relationship.”

Society is only as strong as it foundation. If the foundation is destroyed then what happens to other societal institutions such as the government and the church? The answer is simple — they will be weakened. Thus, Peter sets forth the duty of mutual submission between husbands and wives in 1 Peter 3:1-7.

The Attributes Of God: Part 6 - Omnipresence by Rev. Gregory G. Capel, Jr.

The Attributes Of God: Part 5 - Infinity by Rev. Gregory G. Capel, Jr.

David likely penned this psalm as a young man, tending David struggles to comprehend how this great God, who is glorified by the wonders of the creative universe, can be glorified on earth through frail and puny people. Thus, he asks the question, “What is man that You are mindful of him…?”

Human injustices and prejudices arise when men forget about the dignity of man as God created him. Psalm 8 is a reminder that God made man “a little lower than divine.” It reminds us of Genesis 1:26, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion …” When one remembers that each person in the world, without regard to his ethnic background or social status, has been created in God’s image, crowned with glory and honor, and given dominion over the works of God, it is unforgivable to degrade or dishonor that person.

Continuing his exhortation on submission, Peter moves from the realm of government (cf. 1 Peter 2:13-17) to the realm of employment (cf. 1 Peter 2:18-25). Later Peter will deal with submission in the realm of the family (cf. 1 Peter 3:1-6) and the church (cf. 1 Peter 5:1-5). Not only are believers to submit to hostile and corrupt governments, but they are to submit to workplace authorities, whether they are good or evil, because of the salvation they have been given. As such, believers are called to be suffering, submissive servants, following the example of Christ the Suffering Submissive Servant.

The Attributes Of God: Part 4 - Immutability by Rev. Gregory G. Capel, Jr.

The Attributes Of God: Part 3 - Holiness by Rev. Gregory G. Capel, Jr.

The Attributes Of God: Part 2 - Eternality by Rev. Gregory G. Capel, Jr.

The Attributes Of God: Part 1 by Rev. Gregory G. Capel, Jr.

In many ways, we embrace a god of the gaps theology. A theology that teaches that God only shows up in the major events of life, but not in the day to day. It denies God’s active control over us and pushes Him to the sidelines. Such a theology allows us to lead a radically secularized life and yet cry out to God. Psalm 86 rejects a radical secularized worldview and instead embraces a radical supernatural worldview. As David demonstrates, God is not a god of the gaps, but the God who is actively at work in the day to day life of His people.