1 Peter 3:1

1 Peter 3:1 says, Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;  Peter tells Christian wives to be subject to their husbands, even those who aren't Christians.  He then says that by doing so, if their husbands aren't Christians they might be won to believing in Christ.  Of course, the main objective is not who is in charge in this world, other than the fact that ultimately both the husband and the wife would be subject to Christ.   Verse two adds, While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.  Peter tells the wives that their chaste conversation coupled I believe with their fear of God would be noted by their husbands and other people.  Our conversation, whether husband, wife, or single should always reflect the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our life if we are a Christian.  Verse three continues, Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;  I believe that Peter was telling us that our focus should not be on our outward appearance.  I don't believe that he was saying that we should never wear things that make us look better to those around us, but that this should not be our emphasis.  Verse four states, But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.  Peter tells us that instead of focusing on the outward appearance that we should focus on our spiritual nature, which is not corruptible.  The things that we do because of our obedience to Christ are pleasing to God and will last forever.  Verse five adds, For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:  Peter cited the example of the holy women of old, those who were set aside from the world by their relationship with God, as being in subjection to their husbands.  Verse six continues, Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.  Peter referred specifically to Sarah and her relationship to Abraham.  Peter said all these women were daughters, or ancestors, of Sarah through faith.  Of course, spiritually they would be sisters of Sarah, since we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.   Verse seven proclaims, Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.  Peter then calls on the husbands to be the spiritual leader of the family, as long as husband and wife are united by a love for and an obedience to Christ.  The husband is to honor his wife, and if he does he will always want what is best for her under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Peter said that the husband and wife were joint heirs of Christ by the grace of God.  Peter also warns husbands and wives that if their relationship to one another is wrong that it will hinder their prayers.  Verse eight adds, Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:  Peter calls on Christians to be united with a mind on the things of God.  If our focus is on our self and our standing in the family or the world, then we need to change our focus to what God wants from us as followers of Christ.  Verse nine continues, Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.  Peter said that we are not to return evil for evil nor railing, or speaking badly about someone or something, for railing.  Our conversation should reflect the glory of God to those around us.   Verse ten says, For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:  Peter says that if we would love life and see good days that we should control our tongue, or what we say, and not speak evil things.  Verse eleven adds, Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.  Peter tells us to turn away from evil and do good, seeking peace in the world through our relationship with Christ.  In the marriage relationship and all relationships, we are to put the will of God first.