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THE HUSBAND'S HIGH CALLING OF GOD
DR. AB ABERCROMBIE
God's Word is the only source of truth that when
applied, makes perfect, useful sense. As evidence of this promise, we need
only look at God's most basic instruction to the husband found in
Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the
church and gave Himself for her. This scripture is a powerful calling. It
is an instruction to minister to our homes as Christ ministered to the
church.
Using our Savior as the template of comparison, a self examination
follows:
· Jesus touched (Matthew 8:1-3)
Do you touch your wife as Jesus touched? His touch was filled with
understanding and compassion. It was a touch that gave but did not take.
Touching your wife physically in this way assures her of your commitment
and love for her (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
· He healed (Matthew 14:14)
When your wife is in pain, do you promote healing? Our wives need to know
they can bring their injuries and needs to us. They need us to be engaged,
interested, and invested in reestablishing their peace (Galatians 6:2).
· He instructed (Mark 10:1)
As the spiritual leader of the home, is your study of God's Word faithful,
so that you can instruct and encourage your wife? A man cannot feed others
unless he is fed. Your fervent attention to learning the Bible will allow
you to lead your family from a Christian worldview and will transform not
only your message, but your heart (Hebrews 4:12).
· He provided (Mark 6: 3744)
Are you providing for your family's financial needs and security? So many
families today are overburdened by debt and commitments beyond their
means, creating tremendous stress. Financial problems are cited as the
second leading cause of divorce. Fiscal responsibility and leadership from
the husband is central to protecting the home
(l Timothy 5:8).
· He prayed (John 17:13-21)
Are you in prayer for your wife and with your wife? Do you make it a
priority to lift her needs to God and to share the intimacy of prayer
together? Research tells us that less than one percent of couples who
"regularly pray together get divorced. (James 5:16)
· He forgave (Matthew 9:2)
Do you forgive as Christ forgave? Can you resolve and release the issues
that divide you, or do you harbor them in your heart, allowing anger and
sin to take root? Studies tell us
that the capacity to forgive is fundamental to the maintenance of good
healthy relationships. (Ephesians 4: 26-27)
· He resisted temptation (Hebrews 4:15)
When temptation comes, what do you do? "A little leaven leavens the whole
lump (Galatians 5:9). This means that there is no safe level of thought or
deed when it comes to sin. Boundaries are essential if we are to preserve
the marital covenant. We must actively pursue God's cover and protection
for our homes, on a daily basis (Ephesians 6:10-18).
· He served (Mark 10:45)
How do you serve your bride? Whether in small matters or large, serving
our wives is one of the foremost ways to demonstrate honor. It expresses
consideration, it defines her as valuable, and it produces a climate of
mutual respect and loyalty. Do something unexpected that reminds her of
her precious place in your life (John 13: 14,15).
· He sacrificed all (John 19:30)
Finally, is your love sacrificial? Jesus gave everything for those
entrusted to his care and husbands are called to do the same (Luke 9: 23).
What can you sacrifice today that will bless your wife? Time at work;
hours at the TV; attitudes or ambitions; behaviors or habits. If it limits
or injures the marriage, it needs to go.
God's Word and instructions are perfect. Husbands are not. But if we cling
to his truth, he will bless our obedience. Just as Christ also loved the
church: No clearer instruction, no higher call.
ABOUT THC AUTHOR:
Dr. Ab is a "Christian Shrink who has been counseling individuals and
families in crisis for the past 24 years. He maintains a private
psychotherapy practice and serves as a consultant to pastors and churches
throughout the Southeast. Dr. Ab and his wife Karen (also a "Shrink ),
write and speak extensively on topics of Christian and family living.
Together they enjoy a great life with their daughter Sarah in Fairhope,
AL.
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