Nowhere in scripture does it tell us to teach our husbands. So when it comes to teaching what is good it is toward other women or children. This point I learned the hard way.
Early in our marriage, Todd and I would read the same chapter in the Bible and then discuss it. He had been brought up in a Christian home and had gone to church, AWANA and Bible camp all his life; I was a new Christian of about two years. To put it simply, I did not understand the wonderful workings of the Holy Spirit and I thought the Bible must speak to each of us identically. So in our discussing what a verse or passage meant to us, I would disagree with him. We would debate instead of share. It didn’t take long until we weren’t reading the same chapters. Todd lost interest in telling me what he was learning. Yep, I had torn down our communication with my own lips.
A few years back we were considering having some family devotions. I wanted to dictate the time, tell Todd what would work best. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit reminded me of our beginnings and how I had messed up our sharing before. Instead of making the time look like my image of family devotions I encouraged him to lead however he wanted. Now we often sit around the table after supper and Todd reads to us his journal from one year ago. First he shares his diary type entry, which explains what we did on that day a year ago. Secondly, he reads to us what verse he wrote down for the day and what his thoughts were regarding its application. What a wonderful way for him to inspire us and relate what God had taught him. All of this could have been lost if I would have insisted on doing things my way.
Another time it was good this tongue of mine took a rest, was when Todd started doing quiet times with our son. Oh how I wanted to help them get the most out of their time. Why do I think I know so much? Thankfully, I refrained. Our son loved his time with his dad and often relayed to me the verse they had discussed and were working on that day. Amazing! Their time doesn’t look anything like I would do, yet, it is perfect for bonding them to each other and to the Lord!
So, if you want your husband to be your family’s spiritual leader then my encouragement would be, learn from my mistake and don’t hinder any efforts your husband makes to lead the family. Stand back, give him room and enjoy the unique perspective he brings to inspiring the family.
Proverbs 3: 7 “Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and shun evil.”
If you think you are more spiritual than your husband…he knows that and feels defeated without even trying. Do not be a self proclaimed prophet. Being wises in your own eyes definitely lessens attraction.