July 11, 2020 / Avoid Divorce

Dare 3 of The RESPECT DARE – Biblical Wife

One morning, after rising late, starting a load of laundry and rushing through a cup of tea, I sat down to “Do-The-Dare.”

Dare 3 asks wives to evaluate our current state of being a Biblical Wife.

Oh. My.

I went through each category, item by item. Before I knew it, Satan had grabbed hold of me and I started feeling like a complete failure.

Yep.

That stinks.

Excuse me while I feel small and crawl in my closet.

Defeated?

I not only WROTE THE STINKIN’ BOOK, I have “done the dare” about a bazillion times. Okay, He wrote it, but used my fingers to type it. You know what I mean.

And I said, “Um, Lord…what’s true here? Because I wrote this at Your leading, and I know You don’t want me feeling defeated. I know You know that sucks all the life and motivation out of me…”

Growth Measure

So what was the purpose of this assessment? We ask you to take an honest inventory so that you would have a starting point of where you are when you begin this adventure. Later, we will use this snapshot as a measure of our growth – compare the old-self to our new-self. This prevents us from focusing on the impossible standard of perfection.

I didn’t have all my ducks in a row.

And He lovingly reminded me of Matthew 6.

Normally, a discussion on motives makes me want to curl up in a corner and hide. This time, however, He not only reminded me of how far I’ve come, but reminded me how much He loves me. And my desire (my motives) to please Him, make Him smile.

So do yours. 🙂

Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:4

So there, Satan.

Today, I’m not going to criticize myself!

And thanks be to God for pointing that out also!

Disciple Measure

My favorite item on the assessment is under “disciple.” Do I live my life for God, or do I care more about what other people think?

This has been a challenging one for many, including myself, who lead in ministry against some of the traditional perceptions of that being a “no-no” for women. It also pertains to being a people-pleaser with our husband or kids. If we walk in fear, on eggshells, that’s a symptom of opportunity. If we are dealing with a harsh man, or trying to purchase our children’s affections by making them happy (we can’t) we may discover we are lying or ignoring others sins against us… and that is sin. Yes, get our eyes on our own planks, but to say nothing is enabling and not love.

Acts 5:29… we obey God and not man.

I know that is hard to tie into “submission” and respect. Always submit to God, and don’t enable or fall into another’s sin, no matter who they are.

I see tons of progress, even though it has cost me much. Nothing measures up to what it cost Him to save me, so I guess I’m okay with that!

And when I remember that, I’m okay with my house not being perfect, paperwork not completed, and people being upset with me while they are being loved through some challenging spaces . In the middle of all of it, I know He knows my heart wants to do all things well… even when I don’t.

And I’m actually okay with that.

If you’re having trouble knowing who you are or Whose you are, this might help.

And I’m praying my heart keeps that motivation. It won’t. But He’ll gently bring me back and keep growing me.

Hope you’ll join us on this journey if you haven’t already by subscribing to my blog over on the sidebar to the right. We’re going through the dares, one a week, in different contexts.

In the meantime, what about you? Are you glad I flunked? What did YOU experience going through the assessment? Please comment below! 🙂 Let’s talk!

At any rate, I’m so glad we’re all in this together, on the journey at the same time. Iron sharpening iron… Dare you today to chime in on the environment you are creating in your home… What do YOU feel led to do? How have YOU responded to criticism?

Comment, share… let’s change the world together.

Love to you,

Nina

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