The danger of being in ministry of any capacity is that we find more joy in it than we find in our husbands. At times I find myself giving all my time, energy, words of affirmation and encouragement to others, leaving my husband in the dust.
As I gazed into my soon to be husband’s eyes in front of God and all those people, I repeated those words of love and devotion: “in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad…” I don’t remember saying the following stipulation: “as long as blogging, ladies retreats, Facebook, twittering, or going out with my friends for coffee don’t get in the way.”
In a technology-driven age, could all that’s available possibly be used as a device of the evil one to tear marriages apart? I’ve seen concern in my husband’s eyes, and the Lord is speaking to me about this. When I choose to sit at the computer to write that “all important” email, post or Facebook message, over spending time with my husband, his spirit is crushed.
The Bible says that the devil roars about like a lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8) and that he is subtle. Oh! so subtle! He has been known to appear as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). Let us be careful that we do not let our ministry to other women leave our dear husbands in the dust. Everything should be done decently and in order.
We need to remember that our husbands are our first priority; they are even above ministering to other women. What do our husbands need from us? They need our affirmation, honor, devotion, attention, cheering, compliments, admiration, time. . . our very best! I know what you are thinking. . . . I’m not super-women!
By the end of the day, I have given all my attention/affection/time away to kids, house work, blogging, you name it! How could I possibly do all those things? God does not call us to be super-women, but super-dependent upon Him. This may mean turning down a great opportunity to go out with friends, read another “best-seller,” write that important post, send that vital email, attend that ladies retreat, or twitter your life!
Your life is right in front of you, and he is waiting for your attention. He is vitally important. All the other stuff can wait. Have you been leaving your husband in the dust lately? I have been guilty of it. If so, brush off the dirt. It may mean turning off the TV, the computer, the phone and spending time with your hubby.
Memory Verse:
“…and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
– Ephesians 5:33 (KJV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, I ask You to develop in me a life of balance. Please help me to see the need that is right in front of me, my husband. Help me to respect and reverence him, even above my ministry to other women. Show me right now what I can do to minister to my husband….”
Contributing Writer:
Traci Little
Such a needed reminder! I’m praying that prayer.
This was an issue that I had to squash a few months ago. My husband was gracious enough to let me know that he missed seeing me more often. Even though we were in the same house and sometimes one computer away from each other, the interaction with each other was missing.
While ministering to others can be rewarding, it should not EVER cost me my communication with the earthly relationship that is of most priority.
Thank you for the reminder!! <3
I am guilty of this.
Interaction (especially with family) is so important and as you pointed out, is becoming a thing of the past.
Thank you for this post!
Oww. Wow- I so needed to read this. I’m getting off the computer right now and heading upstairs to see my hubby.
Thank you for gently stepping on emotional toes to head me in the right direction! 🙂