When you think of being married (a man to a woman), what comes to mind? Slave work? Barefoot and pregnant? I do my thang, you do yours? My money and your money? What is mine is mine; and what is yours is mine? We all have a distorted view of marrital things, because that is teh way we have seen them modeled, or we have NOT seen ANYTHING healthy! While sitting in Sunday school this morning, I heard someone quote the pastor. Typically, I do not like quoting another man--UNLESS what that individual has said left one WHALE of a mark on me! Well, that quote struck me in such a way, that I wanted to write about it. Why? It is how I feel as well. Yep. That one sentence, spurred on some thoughts that have my gears a rolling! What is that quote that was shared? It was this... "I will not purposefully hurt my wife..." What a statement!!!! That was truly something cool to hear, because, not many men would say or even want to own up to that DENIABLE truth. Why is that? Maleness. Upbringing. Attitude. Stubbornness. Arrogance. Ignorance. Stupidity. They don't belive in that. What you would hear would sound like these... "A good beating is all she needs." "She had BETTER be happy I am here." "She is lucky I come home at all." Wow! What a dude. ...Husband of the year. Jesus' example--penned by Paul--was to DIE on behalf of the ONE you love. You are not only to show up to show her (lead) how to love, but to go and build, work, and prepare for her (and the children), a way of living (place) suitable for someone who is worthy of greatness. After what seems like years (that you are away at work) you are not with her, you are forever continuously on your relationship; and she loooongs to see you. Marriage is MORE than SEX and FOOD on the table. The marriage relationship is based on Truth and mutual LOVE and SUBMISSION! Do As I Say and Do As I Do. Hubby, you are responsible for LEADING in all aspects of the home (in and out). SURE, IT WOULD BE FITTING TO TALK ABOUT WHAT SHE SHOULD BE DOING; OR WHAT HER RESPONSIBILITIES ARE, BUT I AM A MAN. I WANT TO TALK WITH THE MEN FOR AWHILE. If you take a look, SUBMISSION and LOVE are very similar in context, nature and purpose. God (Jesus), spoke certain words to certain each gender to grab their attention. Men, you are drawn in by SUBMIT, because you identify with a word that suits your mentality: LEADER, VICTORIOUS, OVERCOMER, HEAD, KEEPER, WARRIOR, BATTLER, WINNER, BOSS, DOMINATOR, and RULER. The Bible tells both men and women to "submit to one another in the fear of the Messiah"-- the One who came to save, and is returning to get His woman (when her house is ready). With YOU, MAN, being the home's leader MEANS your job (roles) NEVER cease. You are to LEAD in all areas of that relationship and home environment. Peace is YOUR initial responsibily. Welcome her in, and work to keep her in your home, and with your mate. Is this not what the Head does? Do As I Say and Do As I Do. As the Head of the ENTIRE community, it is Christ that keeps the body safe. Working to accomplish your roles--as did Christ (Anointed One)--she, the Messiah's bride (and your bride), will not have any problem rendering unto Him (or you) what God's Word (and your marriage) relationship (written and unwritten) needs are. Holy submission is easier for her then. Why? You are giving Jesus you Holy submission as well. Do As I Say and Do As I Do. The insight from this comes from Scripture (Ephesians 5: 21-24) and my own heart beat--my life. My wife KNOWS I would NOT PURPOSEFULLY hurt her. This is Truth, because I don't hate MY OWN BODY! I don't like they way it looks (aging), but I don't want to harm it. I do what I can (and then some), to take care of it. If it has a scratch--I give it medicine and a bandage. If it gets bumped or bruise (not from me)--I give it rest and treatment. If it is afraid--I will attempt to protect it with all the insight given me by God's Insight and Love. She is my rib. Your wife is your rib also. If a boxer has bruised ribs, he will do ALL HE CAN to stay in the match--while PROTECTING his rib. God pulled that rib (her) from Adam, and created every woman from that point on to be like man. She was made to look like man, so that he would always know the responsibility of taking care of and not wounding her, or ever allowing someone else to harm her either. You MUST DEFEND HER at all costs from: STICKS, STONES, (your) WORDS or OTHER's, PUNCHES, KICKS, FEAR, INSIDE-THE-HOME-STRESSES and ATTACKS. She is yours to keep and protect. "She is not taken from your head--to rule over you. She was not taken from beneath your feet to be stepped on either." She is EQUAL to him. SHE WAS TAKEN FROM MAN"S SIDE, FOR SHE IS MADE FROM, AND RETURNED BACK TO HIM, SO THEY CAN RULE AND REIGN TOGETHER--AS ONE. ...A UNIFIED "FOREVER" COUPLE. There is one caviat... Do it well here! There is no second chance. Heaven has no marriages--other than the Bride (us) and Husbandman (Jesus). SHALOM (peace be with you)