We once knew a godly Christian lady who was married to an unsaved man. He never attended church, and when we went to visit at the house, he always went out of his way to be rude. For twenty years this godly woman lived a Christ-like life before her husband. Then one day, God broke the heart of her husband. He trusted Christ as Savior, and thereafter lived a consistent life for Christ. All this happened because this godly wife accomplished her God-given mission in marriage.

First Corinthians Chapter 7 discusses multiple aspects of marriage. Notice verse 14 says, “…the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife….” The word “sanctified” means to set apart. When a believer is married to an unbeliever, the one who is unsaved is in a special place. As they witness the godly attitude, actions, and practices of the saved mate, God can use this in a powerful way to draw them to salvation. This is true for both men and women. Ladies, don’t underestimate your influence on an unsaved husband. In a dialogue in the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the mother says, “The man may be the head of the family. But the woman is the neck, and she can turn his head whichever way she wants.” In seriousness, the goal should not be one of manipulation, but one of godly influence. Most only look at marriage for what they can selfishly get out of the relationship, but believers have a higher standard. Verses 33-34 explain that a godly mate “…careth for the things…how he may please his wife…(or) how she may please her husband.” When our goal is to please our mate, it affects how much, how often, and with what spirit we do things for them. Done out of love and unto the Lord, this is a powerful testimony that God can use. I Peter 3:1-2 addresses this very thing saying, “…if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation [or manner of life] of the wives, while they behold your chaste conversation….” We would suggest that even Christians with a believing mate have the divine mission to be a godly influence and spiritual encouragement.

If you’re married, how are you doing on your mission field in your marriage? What can you do today to please your mate and be a godly example that would draw your mate closer to the Lord?