“Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” Ephesians 5:28
Before I begin, I know I am already in trouble! Though honestly…not intentional! When Katie reads this she is going to flip out and say something like, “why did you have to write about me? Didn’t you have anything else to write about?” She is SO wise like that! But doing God’s work often demands sacrifice! So guys…I’m taking a bullet for YOU by actually writing about ME!!
Yesterday before leaving for work, Katie cleaned off the kitchen counter almost completely! Her final words to herself were, “There…I like that!” That it was said within MY earshot should have been a clue! Though I thought the statement silly, I quietly resolved to honor her wishes! Within the hour, I had already dropped food AND the mail there! As Bugs Bunny used to say…”What a maroon!” Guilt had me by the throat almost instantly! But from where had THAT emotion come?
Being married to an artistic person is tough. That she is female makes it harder! And that’s NOT an insult! She likes pretty things, yet grows tired of the same things over and over. True, there have been times when her desire created more work for ME. But I love her. And I know God’s directives when it comes to my wife’s peace of mind. It is today’s Bible verse!
Honestly…what do I care about a completely clean counter? Does it bother me? Is it too hard a thing to take notice and bend to please her? After all, today’s verse goes on to say almost the same thing to wives! But sometimes the verses get distorted! I read 1 version, inserted into a female devotional, that stated…”A husband must see to his wife’s desires, whether they are sexual, financial, physical, emotional or spiritual.” WHOAAAAA!! NOW WAIT JUST A DOGGONE MINUTE! Please note…this version of the Bible verse doesn’t exist in ANY legitimate version! I call FOUL!!!
Paying attention is a sign of respect and maturity. Husbands and wives are actually BOTH called to do just that, by making God’s desires FIRST priority! Being made in His image, both male and female, I have to assume that He possesses BOTH characteristics! When it comes to HIS desires, He EXPECTS me to WANT to please Him. Because what pleases HIM…ALWAYS works out for my best good! Guilt is simply a useful tool in His hands too!!
This morning I woke up to find that I had left something on the counter last night! I am SURE SHE noticed it too! I felt a little guilty when she didn’t say anything because…she COULD have! But she loves ME! And as long as it isn’t too painful, too difficult or too expensive, her wish really SHOULD be my command. God gave me to her, for the purpose of my practice in loving and following HIM! Since HIS commands are OFTEN all 3!
How far are YOU willing to bend for your spouse and for God?
