Imitators of God

(Note: this was posted, then it disappeared; sorry if it shows up twice!)

Ephesians 5:1-4
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Part 1: How is my husband (and how am I) to live a life of love without a hint of sexual immorality? There are girls (and maybe their mothers) hanging all over him!!

It’s very easy for youth ministers to become the object of hero worship. And, especially for the tender, immature compassionate heart, this can easily turn into a major crush. This is something you and your husband need to discuss before it happens. Consider his personality. Is he good at spotting these things coming, or will he need help from others to recognize this? Does he have an accountability partner(s)? It never hurts to have many eyes on watch to try and redirect these things before they “get out of hand.” After all, a reputation is a fragile thing that is worth protecting, not for ego’s sake, but for the kingdom’s sake. And wives must be on guard, too—boys or girls may mistake your attention and tenderness for something more. And then there is the sympathetic adult shoulder to lean on—you must guard your mind that it does not get caught up in comforting (or thrilling) fantasies when your own husband has been too busy or not as attentive as you think he should be. You need accountability partners, too, and not the kind that will help you male-bash or gossip!

Part 2: Greed

This also plays into the above. The more dissatisfied you become with your husband’s long hours and/or small wages, the more likely you are to go looking for outside comfort in whatever sinful form that might take: unhealthy relationships with others (anything from a gossip partner to adultery); unwise spending and accumulating debt; focus on your own job/income to the extent that it supercedes the priorities of God and family; or anything else that Satan can think up to distract you from God’s will. Instead, fill your mouth with thanks, for the many blessings you have! (See our post "Blessings of Ministry Life" from Sept. 2006 if you have temporarily forgotton!)