DAY #23: Practice being a wife who truly respects her husband.

Today’s assignment:  Before the sun sets today, tell someone how much you love and respect your husband. Take a walk with your husband, and tell him how very much you respect him, but most of all demonstrate it in every action.

Spend time with God today, asking for wisdom to be a woman who is respectful of her husband.

I was writing the book, Deacon Wives, and decided to do an extensive survey to ask pastors for advice for wives of deacons. The survey was completed anonymously by over one hundred pastors. Their response to one question, in particular, was surprising to me.  The pastors were asked, “If you could make one request of deacon wives who serve in  your church, what would it be?” The overwhelming response was “respect your husband.” Many made comments like this one, “Our deacon wives don’t realize how they sabotage their husbands’ effective ministry when they don’t respect him.” Another said, “The wife of our most committed deacon constantly corrects and demeans him in public. She doesn’t know how much that hurts his reputation.” 

Have you ever read Watchman Nee’s book called “Spiritual Authority”? I challenge you to study that small book – it’s full of Scriptures and wisdom about respect.

So here are a few things you might pray about today:

Some ways you can show respect for your deacon/husband –

-          Be a faithful wife. Never give the slightest hint of flirtation with other men.

-          Be his confidant. Allow him to confide without worrying that you’ll tell your friend or mom or sis.

-          Be available when he’d like you to assist him with ministry.

-          Allow him to be the spiritual leader in your home.

-          Be a mother to your children. They need you, even if they’re teens (especially if they’re teens!)

-          Allow your husband to serve God without penalty or complaint from you. Remember that his relationship with God comes first.

-          Ascertain that others know for sure that you respect your husband. Do your children know you respect him? Your parents? Your friends? Your pastor? Don’t’ just say the words…show respect for him in every action and deed.

-          Tell him and show him how much you love him.

-          Make your home a haven.

-          Be pleasant to live with. (Read Proverbs 21:9)

-          Pray faithfully for him.

-          Don’t correct him or critique him or complain about him. Show respect. God will honor that!
“To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself,

and the wife is to respect her husband.”

  Ephesians 5:33

Nope, this one wasn’t my idea. It’s right there in Ephesians 5:33 as a command from God. Respect your husband.

This Fresh Idea was posted on Friday, March 5th, 2010 | Deacon Wives, Ministers Wives.