A Good Thing

For Monday, July 24, 2006
Proverbs 18:22

He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the Lord.

God instituted marriage as a blessing to man. It was "not good" for man to be alone, and so God created and brought the woman to the man. And he realized it was good, for "she is flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone." Marriage is not a trap; it is not a mere social convention to procreate and keep order. Marriage is good. Blessed is the man who finds a good wife, and the woman who finds a good husband.

The husband, who may be wishing for freedom, should especially take note. Your wife is a blessing from the Lord. It does not seem so? Instead of focusing on what you consider her shortcomings, perhaps you need to examine yourself. As head of the marriage, you have the greater control and responsibility for the health of your relationship. Are you taking charge by making the sacrifices of a Christian leader for the person under your care? Are you aware that God is using your wife for your own sanctification? Are you letting your wife know that she is a good gift from the Lord? Understand an important principle in leadership - those for whom you are responsible are likely to live up to or live down to what you communicate about them.

Husbands and wives, give thanks today for your spouses. See the good that the Lord has given you, and communicate to your spouse how good you have it because of them.