Summary

"Created to Be His Help Meet" by Michael and Debi Pearl is a comprehensive guide offering a traditional Christian perspective on marriage, specifically focusing on the wife's role. The book emphasizes that a wife's primary calling is to support and honor her husband, viewing this as a divine mandate that brings about personal fulfillment and marital harmony. It challenges modern, feminist viewpoints, asserting that true spirituality for a woman lies in obeying God's recorded Word and serving her husband, rather than pursuing personal ambitions or "spiritual" sensibilities.

The book is divided into two main parts: The Help Meet and Titus 2. The first section explores the concept of a "help meet," emphasizing traits such as a merry heart, a thankful spirit, and the gift of wisdom. It contrasts these with what the book identifies as destructive behaviors like a "poor-me attitude" or a critical spirit. Practical examples and letters from women are included to illustrate these points. The second part delves into the instructions given in Titus 2:3-5, providing detailed explanations of each of the eight mandates for young women: to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, and obedient to their own husbands. Each mandate is explored through personal anecdotes, biblical references, and real-life examples, with an emphasis on how these principles can prevent a woman from "blaspheming the word of God."

Throughout the book, the Pearls address various challenges and questions that wives may face, including issues of authority, submission, sexual intimacy, and dealing with imperfect or unsaved husbands. The book advocates for a clear understanding of the biblical chain of command within the marriage, asserting the husband's headship while urging wives to cultivate qualities that inspire love and respect. The book contrasts the qualities of a virtuous wife with those of the biblical Jezebel, warning against usurping authority and promoting the concept of a "chaste conversation" as a means of winning over an unsaved husband. Ultimately, "Created to Be His Help Meet" presents a vision of marriage rooted in traditional gender roles, with the wife finding fulfillment and purpose in serving and honoring her husband as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the church.