[Brother Harold Porter]

Brothers in Christ,

This is what works for me in dealing with the wife in my Christian home. Feel free to share your methodologies and experience in the matter. Here’s my top 5:

1.) Explain the rules of the relationship, her conduct and her role in the home. God lays down His rules in the Bible and it’s only fair that we fully explain our rules to the woman. Do not leave any wiggle room for a “misunderstanding”. I find it helpful to keep a spreadsheet on my desktop and update as needed with the offense and the appropriate punishment. If she asks why we get to make the rules, resist the temptation to back hand her (for the time being) and open your KJV Bible:

1 Corinthians 11:3: "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."

If she does not fully agree with such clear and concise scripture, a backhand is in order. Repeat until she agrees with Jesus.

2.) Choose your methods for punishment in advance so she knows exactly what she stands to lose or the level of pain associated with each category of infraction. As an example, if she makes a snotty remark that the lawn needs mowing one week and gets a kick in the behind, and the next week you simply confiscate her crossword puzzle book for the same offense, you are sending mixed messages and failing in your duty to be as clear as God’s Word.

3.) Never argue or show weakness. As we know, the woman is as crafty as the serpent and will often resist her discipline with subtle comments that only slightly irritate you. If you allow this, it will escalate into a verbal confrontation and she may provoke you to the point that you lose all control. We do NOT want this to ever happen. Instead, the second the sassmouth starts back talking, administer the appropriate punishment and put an end to it. Remind her that Jesus didn’t mince words and you won’t either.

4.) Be fair. The punishment should fit the crime. Yes, overcooking the prime rib would, at first thought, call for a belt to the face, but control your tempers Brothers. We often need a quick prayer to get His advice. A more appropriate punishment in this case might be banning her use of the telephone for the next year. But don’t be too soft either. If she takes twenty dollars of your hard earned money with your ATM card to buy a new wardrobe, the belt should come off.

5.) Have compassion. If, after the discipline, she whimpers more than two days in her closet, let her out because she obviously isn’t reading the Bible anyway. Put her in her bed and start reading the Bible from Genesis 1 again to her. Emphasize that God made Adam first, Eve from Adam, the trickery of the woman, etc. She should soon see why she got herself in such a mess.

In Christ!