Friday, December 4, 2009

His Name First

"Abraham and Sarah..." Genesis 18:11


Wives, I'd love for us to share with each other some ways the Lord has put on each of our hearts to honor our husbands. Please leave a comment, and let us all spur one another on! "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

One way I honor the Lord by honoring my husband is by always putting my husband's name first when signing cards, etc. This simple but meaningful act reflects my respect for my husband as the head of our home, family and me. "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior." Ephesians 5:23


By always putting Jim's name first, it is a way of my showing my sincere reverence for him as my head. I want him to be honored.


For instance, when we sign birthday cards to our children, I always ask Jim to sign first so it is "Daddy & Mommy". When we are sending greeting cards to others, I always sign "Jim & Sharon". If we need to fill out forms and a list of family members is required, hubby's name goes first. No one else may notice it, but it is a small way of honoring Jim in my heart before the Lord.


Names are important. God's Word tells us that "He has exalted above all things His name and His word." Psalm 138:2 It also tells us that "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1 Putting my husband's name first is a way of honoring him as the head of our home. It expresses my reverence for and submission to his God-given role and position.

"His Name First" is just something simple, yet very significant, that the Lord put on my heart. Wives, please share something you do to honor your husband as the head of your home, family and you! And husbands, if you are reading this, share something that your wife does that really shows her respect for you as head of the home!

Let's spur one another on and build up our husbands!

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Amen! I do the same thing and Scott wonders when we get cards that have it the other way around. It does matter to them (our husbands).

I teach the children to show their father respect - in how they speak to him and how they all stop whatever they are doing when he gets home to say hello, we love you and missed you - each day!

Love you Sharon,
Jill

Sue J. said...

As much as I would like my husband to jump in and help with the kids the second he walks in the door, I know he needs time to unwind from the drive and to have some alone home time before dinner.

Feeding my husband food (and encouraging words!) helps strengthen him for the rest of the evening. Actively listening to his words is another huge encouragement!

Warren Baldwin said...

Good Sharon.

Something Sue said rings so true for most husbands - encouraging words. One that really pumps me up is when Cheryl says, "Good job" or "I like how you did that."

Complimenting a husband for what he does around the house makes him feel honored and respected and he's more likely to do even more that way (sometimes even volunteer!).

Good post, Sharon.

wb

Denise J. Hughes said...

One of the most important ways I can show respect for my husband is when I am with my girlfriends... Whether we are at the park watching the kids play, or in a mommy group together, or sharing a cup of coffee/tea at Starbuck's, I never ever complain or whine about something my husband does that irritates me. Whether it's minor or major, I choose not to speak poorly of my husband to anyone - not even in the guise of humor.

Too often, it's easy for women to slip into "complaining" about their husbands not helping enough around the house, or with the kids, or whatever. I understand that they are looking for a sympathetic ear, but I'm afraid this undermines the health of the marriage relationship.

My husband tells me that men at his work do the same thing. They get together at lunch and complain about how much their wives spend, etc. He says that he even gets teased for not participating in such conversations.

It's not that we try to pretend that we've got everything "together." We just choose to work on these things together, not with everyone else. By protecting our marriage in this way, we show respect for each other.

I too always sign his name first. Thanks for sharing.

Edie said...

Okay Sharon, I'm not married so I don't have a *share* for you but I do have a question about this. I fully agree that the man's name should be first even by outsiders as an acknowlegement of his position as head of the household. Like when they are listed somewhere as a couple or family, etc. I make it a point to do that.

But every Christmas as I prepare my Christmas cards I am stumped about how I should write the greeting when I don't know the husband. Even when I do know the husband a little but I am friends with the wife and have very little interaction with the husband. I want to show the respect but I don't want to appear inappropriate. So what do you think is the best way to handle that?

Hmmm, maybe I should ask this question in a post and see what everyone thinks. :)

Sharon Sloan said...

Hi, Edie.

Good question. Depending on the situation, I would say you can address it to "The ____ Family" or "Mr. & Mrs. So and So" or, if best, just to your friend (the wife). The Spirit may lead you differently depending on the relationship. You don't necessaarily have to write the names inside the card if that feels awkward. Your desire to honor the Lord and be appropriate are awesome.

The "when in doubt, do without" principle is good here....if you are not sure if it may come off as inappropriate (even knowing your heart's sincere intent), then just address it to your friend (the wife). Best to breed security and honor. :)

Edie, I love your heart!

thoughts from anyone else?????

Sandy said...

So interesting: I have always done the same on signing, Also I try to speak well of my DH when he is in "hearing distance", & never complain about him to others.

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

Thought provoking post, Sharon. One thing I try to do involves church. When we are at church and if they open it up for public prayer times, I am quiet because I want my husband to have the opportunity to pray first. I think too many women jump right in to pray when we should allow the men the opportunity. After all, women talk more - but that doesn't mean men don't have something to say. :-)

Sonya

PS. Edie, I think you should address it to Mr. and Mrs. Soandso, it won't seem inappropriate and will be well received in my opinion. (unless it's a personal card to the wife, of course).

Anonymous said...

You have a interesting blog
God Bless You

Leaon Mary said...

Hi Sharon,

I love this post and couldn't agree more. ~The ways of the world vs God's ways- are sure different arent they? I have a few non christian friends and they think wives submitting to their husbands is plain ridiculous. I love my husband, and he's the priest of our home. Writing his name in front of mine is a blessing.
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