Husbands Present Your Wives as Christ did the Church

“²⁵Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, ²⁶that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ²⁷so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. ²⁸In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” – Ephesians 5:25-28 (ESV)

As I read this morning I was convicted in the idea above. I look inward to see, have I been presenting Lori as Christ did the Church? I know that she is present in the church and with all that she does. I know that she is reaching others in the work she does in the school and with the dance team and pep squad she directs. I know that she is a loving mother and would/does anything for our boys. But, have I been presenting her as such?

That is a question that I am glad was thrust at me this morning. Whether I am or not, as I believe, feedback is a gift that should be embraced and pondered for its validity and usefulness. I have to take the presentation of this question and ponder it to determine its answer for me and me alone. I have to embrace it and dig for answers. I have to go to the source of the question to learn more of what it means to present her. I need to go to her to learn from her if indeed she feels presented. It is fully up to me to use the question to get more answers so that I can present Lori as Christ did the Church.

“³¹Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31 (ESV)

Lori is the other part of me. She and I together are one and it is my duty to be for her at all times. This is coming more evident each day as we move to the new chapter in our lives. I have to be her love and support. I have to be her promoter and presenter. I have to be with her not just in the vicinity of her. She and I are one.

When you think of your wife or wife of your husband is she, are you being presented? Are you lifting/lifted up? What if you presented her or you were presented as Christ loved the Church?