Monday, December 17, 2007

YOU NEED TO ASK MY WIFE

A few days ago I was talking with a fellow on the phone about some life insurance for Karen and I. I am not sure if we need some, but with our international travel schedule we thought if God calls us home it would be good for the kids to have something to take care of our bills and something left over for them. As I talked to the fellow I could discern he was man of the Bible, but he was being coy not wanting to offend me by cramping truth down my throat. I have met some Christians that in their zealousness to share God's word they get carried away and really do more harm then health. Sharing the word of God must be done with wisdom, patience, and longsuffering. These Christians really puzzle me, just like the Christians who sport a fish or a license plate that says something like, "To Blessed To Be Stressed" or "God is My Co-Pilot" (now that person is really confused, God should be doing the driving) on their car or the ones who have a bumper-sticker ministry to world. All of that outward show does little to expose the true inward work of the heart. God is more concerned with our character and integrity than how many things we can put on our car, how well we can sing or play an instrument, or even how good we can preach. God is always after in us a humble, pure, and soft heart condition. We must remember God is not too concerned with what we can do for Him, but He is very concerned about how we do things for Him. Do we do things with the right motives and with the right intentions?
Anyway back to the insurance salesman. I came right out and asked, "are you a Christian" and he responded, "I do not know you will have to ask my wife." Now I really like that answer. You know men we can say we are a Christian and fool everyone, but the one person we cannot fool is our wives. We can tell everyone how holy and mighty in God we are, but our wives really knows for sure. Our wives see us in our times of weakness and victory. They know almost all things. I know now why Solomon, the wisest and richest man in the world, could say, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." (Proverbs 31:10-12) and after being married to Karen for over 28 years. I can see how blessed I am to be married to the very best woman in the world. She gave me four outstanding children and has always kept a clean and Godly home. I thank God for her every day and her Christian witness before me. On our last trip to Turkey when my B/P was significantly elevated she really encouraged me. So the next time someone asks you if you are a Christian before you answer stop and think what would my spouse answer.

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