Last night I just finished one book that has been on my "to-read" list for quite some time (and unfortunately, my "to-read" list just gets higher and higher and higher). I have about four more books that I intend to read before the wedding day (May 12) in addition to all the seminary work but I think it can be done) and it was absolutely spectacular.Stuart Scott in his book, The Exemplary Husband, clearly and biblically laid forth the mandate that Christian husbands have to God, to their wives, to their families and to holiness. By far, the most impactful thing to me in the book was that in nearly everything that he said (literally, almost every point), he had a Scripture verse to back it up. It was absolutely awesome. That is a practical example of the sufficiency of Scripture. The Word of God is truly sufficient for all aspects of life - whether it addresses an issue directly or indirectly, the Word of God is all-sufficient.
Hebrews 4:12 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
And
2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
This book really challenged me to rethink and re-evaluate my desires, priorities and heart as I approach marriage. Men, we must be a Godly man before God before we can ever think of being a Godly man to our wives and families. This is the most foundational and crucial truth that every husband needs to hear and understand. If we are not right in our "heart-motive" before God, then everything that we do will be some form of idolatry, that is, making something other than God the reason for doing certain activities.
The Apostle John addresses this when he says:
1 John 5:21 21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols.
May we be men who are firmly committed 1) To God; 2) To our Wives; 3) To our families; and then 4) To our ministries/jobs, etc
To God be the glory. May we learn to love our wives as Christ truly, sacrificially, genuinely, faithfully, uncompromisingly, unilaterally, unequivocally and patiently loved the church!
