I want to camp on this issue of honor and respect another week and expand it. A visiting pastor from our church plant in Norman, OK, spoke on honor within the church community a few weeks ago, and he touched on some points that were profound, actually. I want to transfer that to the marriage relationship.
He said that honor is celebrating who our (spouse) is without stumbling over who they are not. Whoa! Doesn't the familiarity of the marriage relationship begin to highlight everything our spouse is not rather than the dignity of who they are? Romans 12:10: "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another."
Honor is not just the right words; it is a heart attitude. When a woman feels honored in her home, her spirit unfolds like a flower opening up. If she doesn't, her spirit will close.
God calls us up before he calls us down. Take a look at all the biblical characters and how God dealt with them. He called them up, gave them an identity before passing judgment for their actions, Abraham, Moses, Gideon, etc. Focus on calling your spouse up -- "You've got what it takes to lead this family." "I know you can do it, honey." "Boy, the boss sure knew what he was doing when he gave you the promotion." It's always easy to call people down, to criticize, to judge. Focus on call forth the positive.
The world is shouting to us who we are not. We, as believers, should shout louder than the world as to who we really are.
Who are the people in your life you need to honor this week?
Wow Golden!! I really needed this. It is so much easier to be critical of our spouses. Sometimes in the midst of difficulty the last thing I want to do is find something edifying to say to Kevin. This reminds me that in spite of and especially during difficult times it is important to honor him no matter the circumstances. Building him up instead of tearing him down could change the dynamic between us entirely. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I can totally attest to the fact of a woman's spirit folding up like a spent flower. I never once felt honored or cherished or respected in my own home. No matter what I did or didn't do. The more his true colors showed, the more I withdrew.
ReplyDeleteI finally feel as if I'm in full bloom again and it's going to be a long time before I'm willing to take that chance again, if ever.
Thanks, Katy. I'm so glad you got something out of it.
ReplyDeleteAnd, oh, Rachel, I hurt so for you. I know this has been a rough year. But God has plans for you -- plans for a future and a hope. It's okay to be cautious, but just keep your focus on Him.
Blessings, Golden