Wives in Touch - February

Wives In Touch

with God and one another

January / February 2009

Dear Sister in Christ,

Tuesday January 22^nd, 2009 the 44^th president of the United States was sworn into office. Since announcing his candidacy, in February of 2007, the media has been abuzz with facts and photos of Barack Obama and his family.

While this kind of media frenzy takes place every time there is a new president and administration, as believers our response and responsibility remain the same despite who wins an election. “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior” (1Timothy 2:1-3).

Much attention and speculation has also centered on the President’s wife Michelle Obama; specifically her wardrobe, parenting style, giving up her job as a lawyer to assume the role of First Lady, and the fact that her mother has moved, temporarily, into the White House to help care for their children.

If there’s anyone who can identify and empathize with this kind of up close scrutiny it is the pastor’s wife. Members of the congregation, and others, take a special interest in our appearance, how we raise our children, whether or not we work (inside and/or outside of the home), how or if we serve in the church, our family dynamics, etc. etc. etc.

When asked by a reporter how the first lady was dealing with the many challenges suddenly thrust upon them, Mr. Obama replied, “Through all of this my wife has displayed an incredible amount of grace and wisdom.” Those are words any wife would want uttered by her husband. Following are ways in which we can position ourselves to deal with the ongoing challenges of ministry life with grace and wisdom.

Always Dress for Success

“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans 13: 14).

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3: 12).

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6: 13-17).

“Your beauty should not [merely] come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3: 3-4).

Praiseworthy Parenting (whether your own children or God’s—the members of your congregation)

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth” (Deuteronomy 11: 18-21).

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so no one will malign the word of God” (Titus 2: 3-4).

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10).

A Winning Work Ethic

“…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the need of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12: 3b, 6-12).

Praying God’s blessings upon all first ladies--from the White House to the church house,

Meredith R. Sheppard

All Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Zondervan Publishing House

Wives In Touch is a ministry of prayer and encouragement for pastors’ wives.

Mail all correspondence to: Wives In Touch, 2803 Breaker Circle, Hayward, CA 94545USA Wivesintouch@gmail.com

Go to Meredith Sheppard's page or column page.