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Over the years I’ve encountered many life changing verses of scripture during my time of bible study. In particular, Luke 1:5-6 has really challenged me in my own spiritual growth:
In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly”
I’m sure you’ve read the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were the parents of John the Baptist, the one who would be the forerunner of our Savior, Jesus Christ. John was so in sync with the spirit of our Lord that when a young and pregnant Mary met up with his mother, Elizabeth, her still unborn son, John, lept inside of her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:41). Meditating on these verses in Luke, I noticed an immediate application for me: God desires for myself and my wife to be growing spiritually. As with all things, if we do it together and encourage each other individually as well, we are much more likely to succeed.
I don’t know about you, but it brings me great joy to see my wife progress and succeed in all things; especially the things of God.
Show Some Initiative
Once husbands grasp this reality and start growing, we can then begin to assist our wives in their growth. Our assistance may be as simple as:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
There are so many resources available today that we can use together as a couple. We as men just need to take the initiative to have a more active role in leading our family spiritually.
Encourage Your Wife
Encouraging my wife in her spiritual growth doesn’t always mean that I have to personally be a part of the growth process. At times, I only need to be a “spiritual cheerleader.” My role is cheering her on in her growth as she studies the Bible on her own or as she participates in a woman’s Bible study.
I am still fulfilling my role as the spiritual leader, even though I don’t personally teach my wife. I’m there to give her encouragement and direction. Ask God to give you a fresh commitment to grow yourself. Then ask your wife how you can best help her grow.
Think back and remember your wedding day. You made a vow to nurture your wife. That involves both the physical and spiritual areas of life. The first step is asking God to give you a fresh commitment to grow yourself. Then ask your wife how you can best help her grow.
Dear Lord, please give me the wisdom and passion to encourage my wife's spiritual growth. I long to love my wife, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). Amen.
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How about it, men? What are some of the ways you’ve helped nurture your wife’s spiritual growth? (Ladies, feel free to share examples of what your husband has done, too.)
You and your wife are individuals, but you are one as well. As she grows, you grow.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.
