...as Christ Loves The Church
During a self appointed time for our own personal assessment, we can advise our brothers and sisters in Christ to not repeat the mistakes that we have done. It is inspiring and the reaction that causes these fingers to type. However, as of late, disappointment has tried to creep in and it doesn't motivate. We claim to know so much yet when put to the test, there are far too many failures to mention. Understand, no judgement. If anyone feels judged by reading this entry - it's because you have some cleaning up to do. Actually, we more than likely all do (James 5:16 AMP).
The title of this entry would make an excellent book. The invitation is there if you desire to do it. Just remember to keep God involved. His Word must be incorporated in every crevice. Also, no cliches that sound good having no truth to back it. Cliches don't feed your spirit and it revives the flesh beautifully (Galatians 5:16-24 AMP). Those rhymes that remind us of our childhood bedtime stories and we applaud because it fits for the time being, but it doesn't remain when it gets tough. You can't pull it out to reinforce your point or extinguish a fiery dart. Bedtimes rhymes or cliches can't find the true intentions of the heart or pierce the soul from the spirit. Only God's Word can do that. Know that you have to not only read His Word but study it. It has to be food for your spirit. It has to be a necessity as would your 3 square meals a day. Who has the tenacity to be that forthright and make such a commitment? Answer: those that have been set apart as God's own (1Corinthians 1:30 AMP).
It is believed that our clergy has that commitment. It is why we go to them in our times of wanting justification and solace when times of torment and anguish have rested at our doors. We give our time, money, and confidence to the clergy because it is written for us to reverence them and to know that they are appointed of God. And so we look to them in awe because they have done nothing else but spend such soul searching time with God that we believe the insight they have obtained is truly God ordained. They have prayed for us and must have an on time word to answer the trouble we have been through for so many months. It is why they will be judged by a higher standard. They know better. But...the church has grown to the capacity of them not having the time to spend to talk to you individually...not right now. You can leave a message with his secretary or talk to one of the capable assistants or the assistants' assistant or leave a message with one of the assistants' secretaries. Eventually, he will contact you or you could get a brochure in the mail for the next convention or revival instead.
There, doesn't that feel better?
So what's the point in mentioning all of this when this is a singles blog and the title of this entry seemingly directs the reader to the man and how he should be with his wife? Well, it's like you are born and your parent's do all they can for you because you are not able. But when you start to grow, they cheer at all of your milestones, like cooing for the first time, crawling, walking, being potty trained and then understanding your responsibility in going to the bathroom on your own. Picking up your toys. Making up your own bed. Putting away your laundry after it has been washed. You now understand that it is up to you to keep up with your own hygiene and how that is a social as well as a personal responsibility. Parents are now choosing when to applaud your efforts because you should know by now that certain things that are expected don't need accolades to motivate you to do them. It's expected. We cannot turn back the clock and go back to diapers, nay the womb, just because you don't like taking care of yourself anymore. You shouldn't grieve your parents by moving back in with them and if they should pass away the idea of finally finding a wife to take care of you should not be the solution.
It has to be at least 15 years ago, when a group of young men between the ages of 18 and 22 were talking among themselves in the lobby of a local library. They mentioned dating and what they were looking for. Not what they are attracted to because it was apparent being attractive and having what they were looking for has not been found in the same package...at least, not for them. They knew that without a shadow of doubt they wanted someone who had something to bring to the table. Something else other than making babies. It was high time that someone takes care of them is what one of them said and the rest agreed. About to walk out of the library, I almost stumbled as my pace slowed down to listen to the foolishness of the misguided youths. They knew, as we all must have believed at their age, they had the secret to life. I guarantee that if I took the time to ask that if they were going to flip the script for her to provide for him, should he now obey her - they would have all said in unison, no!
The truth is, there is no secret to life. God has made this as plain as it could be. He has told us to be obedient. He has given us guidelines, boundaries, and then when we understood more, we have freedom to do as we have been called to do. In this, we obtain righteousness, joy, and peace. There is no other way to live. We have loved each other, helped our brother, we have made wrongs right as it is written through forgiveness, grace, and mercy. We have no complaints. We have done this - right? It is why finding a spouse has been so easy. We have made the good things in our life our habits. Finding a good thing is as easy as God said it would be. So why hasn't the marital vows incorporated for men to love their wives as Christ loves the church? Why would this be an issue? Is it so impossible? Yet you expect for your wives to do - what? Think about that?
Recently, it was announced on Facebook, a deacon from a ministry that I used to attend passed away. I was so surprised. He was just commenting on one of my posts. I think he was posting something on his own page at least every other day. I didn't know he was sick. When he passed, there was an outpouring on Facebook at the many lives he touched. Then, also without warning, not knowing she was ill, the announcement that his wife went home too. Shocked would have been an understatement. I thought about her and remembered as a young wife, she shared small tid-bits of advice. Of all of the couples I've ever noticed, she and her husband never had a cross word. If there was a disagreement, no one outside of their home knew about it. She never spoke of him to anyone else and he never did of her. The 2 perfect people to teach couples about marriage and you would never see them volunteer for it. Why? Because it would be an open invitation for someone on the outside to try to tempt the other. Please notice that. All of those wonderful couples that have been married for 40 and 50 plus years, you don't hear them bragging or trying to get attention from others. They are content with the blessing from God. She understands that she is a good thing because of her obedience in Him and her maturity thereafter.
He understands that God has allowed for him to see her and because of this, he has obtained favor. Do you get that - man? You DO NOT have favor of God without her!!! Can you see how much has been stolen from you? And so subtly too. How plainer does this need to be (Mark 4:30-34 AMP)?
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