Be a Gardener
by David Chadwick
The husband is called to be a gardener of his marriage and family. It’s a strong biblical image. Israel was called a vineyard, with God as the vinedresser. His responsibility was to carefully nurture Israel’s spiritual life. So is a husband in his marriage and family.
How should this be done?
First, the husband must initiate the spiritual gardening. You desire to provide prompt spiritual oversight.
Husband, it’s your responsibility to find the time to talk with your wife about spiritual pests or weeds that have entered her garden. You overcome them with the power of the Word of God and prayer. You desire to pray for her and draw her closer to God.
Then, as spiritual gardener, you should do the same for your children. You listen to their hearts and hear their inward angsts. You pray God’s Word over them. You make sure you have a steady hand and faith-filled heart to speak spiritual nutrients to their souls whenever and wherever needed.
My wife, Marilynn, desired for me to take on this responsibility. I gladly did so. As a result, she felt honored. We were drawn closer together. And the kids felt protected, nurtured, and edified.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, all those striving are laboring in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
Discover God’s path to a better marriage
A key to making your marriage the best it can be isn’t a secret. God commands spouses to give honor to one another – and blesses them for doing so!
David Chadwick and his wife, Marilynn, unpack the biblical meaning of honor in these two special books, Eight Great Ways to Honor Your Husband and Eight Great Ways to Honor Your Wife.
You’ll find humor, humility and a passion for Christ that will inspire you to love your spouse in new ways that:
- Reignite the “spark” you remember
- Deepen trust and the intimacy you long for
- Connect you to God’s original and joy-filled intent for marriage
Both books are our way of saying thanks for your gift below to help share Jesus and the life-changing new perspective He gives.
For more from Moments of Hope, visit us at MomentsofHope.org.
