A Thought For Guys

This post is specifically for guys, but that doesn't mean that women can't read it.

I recently read an "away message" that said, "When a guy opens a car door for a woman, it is either a new car, or a new woman." I'm afraid that there is probably far too much truth in this statement--thought hopefully not for every guy who reads this.

The key to happiness is being content and delighting in the Lord and in that which He has given us. Remember that you are a sinner, and so even every breath you take is of grace. With that in mind, remember that every moment you have with your girl friend/wife is by God's grace. The fact that you have companionship with her is by God's grace. Be joyful, and treat her with surprising love.

The problem with the truth of the above statement is that it is the reverse of how it should be. Men, as you get to spend more time with your wife (or girl friend), as you experience her companionship, her patience with you, her selfless sacrifices for you (and for your children), her prayers for you, the joyful times you have together, etc, you should rejoice more and more and desire to serve her more and more. Now, you aren't going to open the car door for her everysingle time throughout your life together, that is quite unrealistic (I think you should do it quite regularly, but if you have to hurry to get somewhere, you may have to forgo that for one time--I hope she is reasonable enough to understand that you aren't forgetting her, but that the circumstances demand different). However, you should be showing her more love, respect, patience, kindnesses (it seems to me that women like it when you do little things for them--like bring home flowers, call on lunch, take out the garbage, take her to the restaurant she's been raving about, etc), and every duty, I mean, delightful actions to show love as you grow closer to her.

Remember, she is an extraordinary gift from God--treat her in that way. She is worth far more than your car, your house, your job, or watching your favorite sports team win the championship. If you don't think that, then take some time to meditate on how much she has done for you and how much joy she brings you. Meditate on Scripture and see how you ought to love her and how much God has blessed you with her. Think about the fact that she was willing to say "I do" (or, "I'd be willing to get to know you better") and join in covenant with you so that you wouldn't have to live alone and so that you would have an intimate friend.

If you have any questions, I wrote a post back in May that you can check out.

Men, let's not be the passive cultural norm of laziness. Rather, let's be the leading, pursuing, loving men of God whom we are called to be. Then, when the other women are complaining about their husbands, your wife will be able to say, "He's not perfect, but I've never met a more godly gentlemen than the one I married." Follow the example of Christ. Soli Deo Gloria