Consider others better than yourself!

“She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20)

During the past several years, it has been my habit to read a chapter a day from Proverbs on most mornings. Often when I came to Proverbs 31, I would turn that chapter into a prayer – praying and believing my wife (Julia) would be a Proverbs 31 wife.

As I reflect on this past year, I am so humbled by God’s amazing grace and his tender mercies. For more than five years, I prayed Julia would go to a marriage course with me. Instead, God brought His marriage course right to our home and He called several of our closest friends to join us. That had a rapid and dramatic impact on Soul Purpose Church where we attend.

According to Jack Serra, his M&M (Marketplace and Marriage) course is actually a direct download from an angel (or the Holy Spirit). I believe him. Jack teaches that if a husband doesn’t treat his wife in a certain manner, then his prayers will be hindered. The M&M course teaches six fundamental principles to have a godly marriage, including “Consider others better than yourself.”

If I’m honest, I must admit that until the past year, I considered myself better than Julia for our entire marriage. And I repent of that. Fortunately, God is patient – very patient. Through Jack Serra, God opened my eyes of understanding that Julia’s primary role as my wife is helpmate (revealer of the enemy). When I began listening to her accordingly, our relationship changed.

This past weekend, I literally watched my wife blossom spiritually before me like a beautiful rose. On Friday through Sunday, we went to three different lengthy worship services together in three different churches – one charismatic, one Catholic, and one Baptist. Considering that Julia grew up completely unchurched, that’s amazing.

On Sunday night, Julia actually went to a fourth worship service without me because I was worn out. Jan Aldridge, an evangelist, was speaking. Julia brought three people with her – all who were deeply touched. Near the end of the service, Jan singled out Julia and called her forward. While Jan didn’t know Julia at all, she spoke powerful words of truth over her. She told Julia that she and her husband (me) are very different, but we are a perfect blend – like peanut butter and jelly. Wow!

Every day now, I see Julia reaching out to bless the poor and needy. She is a Proverbs 31 wife. For Julia to blossom into a spiritual giant, I needed to change – to treat her God’s way.

As I was driving to my coaching group meeting on Monday November 20, I began thinking about the people who have been my greatest mentors. The first five people who came to mind were my parents and three of my coaching group partners who have coached me for the past five years. Then the Holy Spirit made me aware that Julia has been my greatest mentor (coach). In areas where I have been weak, she has been strong and helped me grow. When I’ve been a hypocrite, she’s let me know. Julia keeps me humble.

Do you consider others better than yourself?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, you say that “he who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22). Thank You for blessing me with Julia – a Proverbs 31 woman of God. Forgive me for my pride of the past – in how I mistreated Julia. Help me to always love Julia as You do. May our lives, our marriage, and our family be a testimony of Your goodness and Your greatness as we put You first in all aspects of our lives. Thank You Jesus. We bless You and Your holy name. Amen.

Link of the Day
Proverbs 31 Ministries: Touching Women’s Hearts, Building Godly Homes [http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net]

Blessings to consider others better than yourself!