Submission Isn’t About the Paycheck

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A question I often hear from Christian women is: “How can I submit to my husband when I make more money than he does?”

It’s an interesting question—because it assumes submission is tied to income. I understand how we get there: traditionally, the husband is seen as the provider, and earning the paycheck can feel like the “in charge” role. But Scripture doesn’t link leadership to dollars.

Let’s look closer. Any money you or your husband earn ultimately belongs to God. He entrusts those resources to your family to steward well—for His kingdom, for generosity, and for your household’s good. Whether it’s your paycheck or his, the purpose is the same: to strengthen the family, not to establish hierarchy.

Submission isn’t about who brings home more; it’s about obedience to the role God has given you. Earning more money doesn’t erase the call to respect your husband. Flip the question around: what if your husband said he didn’t need to love or provide for you because his paycheck was big enough? We’d all remind him that his biblical call is to love and sacrifice as Christ loves the church. 

Sisters, your submission is about something far greater than money—it’s about honoring God’s design. And when we walk in that design, we protect the very reputation of His Word: “Train the young women to love their husbands and children… be kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled” (Titus 2:4–5).

So take heart—your worth and position are not measured by your income, but by Christ. Whether your paycheck is large, small, or nonexistent, God sees your obedience, honors your trust in Him, and uses your submission as a powerful testimony of His wisdom and love. Keep your eyes on things above and remain faithful to Him!

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