F A M IL Y
AA a TTERS
Continued from page 22
of the same verse. Do you honestly think that a wife has to be told
to respeet her husband if he's loving her as he loves himself?
I don't mean to over-sim plify a very d ifficu lt struggle for most
ol us men. However. I do want to sound the trumpet that signals a
need for action. Action that w ill come from husbands understand
ing that we are called to be the head o f our wives. Action that w ill
take deliberate thought, work, wisdom and prayer to accomplish.
The key element in starting today is to remember Jesus’
example ot servanthood. We w ill never accomplish God’s goal
for us as husbands w ith the “ submit to m e" attitude. Nor w ill we
encourage them to fo llo w our lead with the “ I ’m in charge" posi
tion. We must take our lead once again from His Word and His
example. Ephesians 5:25 states, “ Husbands, love your wives as
( hrist loved the church and gave Himself up for her." The under
lined italics are mine to emphasize the sacrificial position and
attitude we are to have toward our wives. Christ said that He came
not to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for
many. We are called to be a leader, guide, teacher, protector, and
provider for our wives. This long journey starts with self-sacrifice
and leading by serving. ■
M ission P ortland
Continued from page 8
that love is shown by deeds. Seek to meet genuine, practical
needs. It they want to, let them serve you: be appreciative. Ways
to help your neighbors might include volunteering to help w ith
kids (e.g. baby-sitting, transportation), meals during crisis times,
help work on their car or home projects, mow their lawn, assist
the w ife with special occasions, etc. At work you can offer to
bring them coffee or mail, be a “ sounding board." ask them for
help or advice, let them get the credit, be w illin g to do menial
tasks, be alert to domestic needs.
Step 4. Friendship Level. Work to deepen the relationship
through openness, honesty, trust, and ease in communication.
Have memorable times together. Accept them, don't try to reform
them. Develop common interests. Consider special outings o f
longer duration or even a short vacation together. Join in extend
ed work projects around the house (like painting the house or
gathering winter firewood).
Step 5. Share Your Testimony. They know y o u're a
Christian, so share what Christ means to you. Clearly identify
w ith Christ in the course o f normal conversation. Witness by
your lifestyle (Matthew 5:16). You don't have to share every
thing at one sitting. Ask question . . let them talk. Pray as you
share. Be sensitive to their reaction— put yourself in their shoes.
Mention the benef its o f Christianity.
Step 6. Witness o f the Body. Expose them to your Christian
friends. They may discount your individual testimony, but the
corporate testimony o f the body is powerf ul.
Step 7. Expose Them to the Gospel. Invite them to an
"investigative" Bible study or an evangelistic meeting— be hon
est w ith them as to what they can expect to happen.
Step X. Invite Them to Receive Christ. Give them an oppor
tunity to make a decision. Invite them to pray to receive Christ .
.don't apologize. Help them to understand exactly what they
must do to become a Christian. Continue the relationship no mat
ter what they decide.
Sharing the Gospel can be scary, but i f you care enough
about people, that w ill pass. When it comes to evangelism, take
N ike's advice: "Just do it!” ■
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