June 17 - Ephesians 5:25-26 (A)

Husbands, love your wives,
as Christ loved the church ...
that he might sanctify her
Ephesians 5:25-26

 

Husbands, you are called to “sanctify” your wife.

 

Huh? What does that mean?

Simple: You are to make her holy.

Uhh. Wait. What does that mean?

 

First, you are called to treat your bride as an object of devotion. While we surely worship only God alone, your bride is, nonetheless, a sacred vessel which contains the presence of God? (After all, that’s precisely what Scripture says a godly wife is and a godly person contains. God’s people are “temples of the Holy Spirit” – see 1 Corinthians 6:19)

Second, we need to encourage her faith. (And what's the best way to encourage her faith? It is by working on your faith!) Therefore, watch this process …

 

·         Our first priority needs to be growing in our own faith. And this isn’t for her benefit. It’s for us. We need to want it for ourselves and do it for ourselves, first.

 

·         Next, we need to grow with her. We need to worship with her. And we need to pray with her. If we are to “sanctify her,” to make her holy, our goal should be to grow together.

 

·         Most of all, men, we need to be men! We need to lead! We are called to assume spiritual leadership in our families. Don't make her do things (because you aren't being a boss). Rather, lead like Christ. Be a servant … and a priest. Indeed, you are called to be a priest to your family. So … man up! Lead.

 

Third, well, how do I say this delicately … Sex in your marriage should be frequent and fun. It should be playful and free. God ordained this joyfulness. Some theologians remind us that marital sex can be an act of worship!

 

But … sex shouldn’t be dirty. Think about it: You don’t make your bride holy by using pornography. You also don’t make her holy by relying on fantasy (… after all, how often do our fantasies measure up to our realities? Don’t set yourself up for unrealistic expectations.) You are called to love your bride as Christ loves the church. Be very pure … and very playful.

 

Question: Guys, are you growing in your faith? Are you taking spiritual leadership for your family? (Women, are you growing in your faith? And are you encouraging your husband’s faith and his leadership?)

 

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who wants

to be a man

… and lead