Larry & Joyce in Alaska Several comments about last Thursday’s article set me to thinking about a phrase in
Proverbs 18:22, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”
Now there’s a grand example of being a “good finder.” Many men, even, or especially preachers, forget that biblically the best “thing” to find in life is the person who is to be our partner along the often very rough road of life.
I have discovered that many men who are called to ministry, are already married when the call comes. And then begins a common defeatist attitude about having married the wrong type for ministry. A little thought will make the following clear. God did not predicate his call to you on the basis of your marriage partner. And the scripture is clear that if you are called, so is your wife. Dr. O.S. Hawkins in his grand book, The Pastor’s Guide to Leading and Living, states on page 238 concerning pastor and wife: “Pastor, help your mate to understand that if you are called to ministry, then she is too. You are one. She is your true partner in life and ministry.”
Any man will demonstrate spiritual wisdom by asking for wisdom from the Lord to identify the golden traits the Lord has given to his wife, rather than fantasizing about having married the perfect woman.
I recall Peter Drucker talking about why 50/50 partnerships often fail. He found that both partners seem to have the same or nearly the same qualities. Therefore one of them is a waste! Partnerships need the varied strengths of different people. Therefore learn to compliment your weaknesses with the strength of your partner. Simple? Sure.
After much grief, I learned to find the goodness in Joyce. And she practices the same on me. We are good finders in each other. I have discovered more good in her than she has found in me. I guess I’m better at it.
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7.
Copyright © 2014 Larry Lilly
For IT services it's hard to do better than clicking Oral Deckard
RSS Feed