July 8 is a special day for me. In 1978 on that day I made a wedding vow to my wife to have and to hold from this day forward. In this covenant vow I promised her, and she also promised me, to be faithful in all circumstances. The lifelong promise to be there for one another has been a highlight of my life.
I can say there has never been a day in 45 years when I have regretted making that covenant vow. We have not always kept the vow fully and consistently but even our failures have given opportunity to grow.
The bible asks the question:
A wife of noble character who can find?
I know I can answer I did. For that I thank God for all that has been and for all that will be.
In Proverbs the characteristics of a noble wife are listed:
The Wife of Noble Character Proverbs 31:10-31
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Even more challenging than to live the life of the Proverbial spouse is to fulfil the expectation that a Christian is to model the self giving that Jesus Christ shows to his people. The church is called the bride of Christ for whom Christ laid down his life to enable it to grow to be more and more giving and serving others. It is good to recall these things daily so that we can experience the blessings that come from a Christ-like life.
Ephesians 5
1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.