Mr. "Right"


My husband is a catch.

Oh - I know there are ladies who wouldn't date a guy unless he was six foot tall (or taller).  I have met the ones who look at degrees and pedigrees and bank accounts as the measure of a man...

But "Mr. Right" is the one who, after coming home at 2am from a mission trip, gets up and drives across the state for a memorial service.  "Mr. Right" understands when the wife he hasn't seen for most of the summer asks to be dropped off in Kalamazoo so she can look after her convalescing mother.  "Mr. Right" knows that his "best self" is the one that gives and serves others, and who puts his needs behind those of his spouse.

The apostle Paul wrote about this:

"Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church - a love marked by giving, not getting.  Christ's love makes the church whole, his words evoke her beauty.  Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness.  And that is how husbands ought to love their wives.  They're really doing themselves a favor - since they're already "one" in marriage." - Ephesians 5:25-28 (MSG)

But wives - a husband like this comes at a price.  That price is your love, respect, and honor...and in the verses that precede the ones you just read - Paul said this...

"Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another.  Wives, understand and support your husband in ways that show your support for Christ.  The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands." - Ephesians 5:21-24 (MSG)

Good relationships require sacrifice.  They are selfless in nature, and selflessness is NOT something we humans are inherently good at.  It takes practice...

But the consequence of this type of relationship is the love poets write about, musicians sing about - and Disney princesses dream about.  It is true.  It is enduring.  And, it elevates both partners in a way that is pleasing to God.

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