Convicted Soviet spy Stig Wennerström told his interrogators that his basic procedure during the five years he worked in the U.S. included the cultivation of “big shots” by first winning the friendship of their wives. “Women,” he said, “have a much greater influence over men than we realize.”
This is true. Women do have tremendous influence over men—not only for evil but also for good. God has always recognized this. This is why the third chapter of 1 Peter encourages Christian wives to so live daily in the home that by their good lives they may win to faith in Christ their unbelieving husbands. More than one wife has wondered how she could get her husband interested in the Lord. Here is the answer. It must be done by holy living.
If a wife is to do this, she must not nag, argue, or preach to her husband. This does no good and can do great harm. Her preaching must be the silent preaching of a good life.
If a good wife is to do this, she must major in inward beauty. This is not to say that outward appearance should be neglected. It shouldn’t. But what about a beautiful spirit? This is most important and takes much attention.
If a wife is to do this, she must give the supreme allegiance to God. He alone deserves first place in life.
Every wife has a tremendous opportunity to lead her husband closer to God, for “Women have a much greater influence over men than we realize.”