Toy Stories: Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head — Beauty and Mystery vs. Boring and Monotonous - Monday
Today’s Verse
Ephesians 5:31-32
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. (ESV)
If you’re familiar with Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, my top two have always been words of affirmation and physical touch. Naturally, this is not only how I prefer to receive love, but it’s also the way I typically show love as well.
I’m quick to recognize someone who’s done a good job or has gone the extra mile, and am perfectly comfortable with being classified as a “hugger”. I’m about as complex as a Labrador retriever. If I respect you, I’ll encourage you. If I like you, I’ll hug you (as long as you’re cool with that). If I love you, I’ll proudly tell you myself.
However, this is perhaps most obvious when I’m in the presence of my beautiful wife, Hannah—which has made working at the same place very interesting.
“Someone was a little too lovey-dovey in staff meeting this morning...” She smiled at me as she washed dishes one afternoon. I threw up my hands dramatically, glancing at her as though she’d just accused me of murder.
“Honey, I just don’t want others to be annoyed by all your comments of how great you think I am, that’s all!” she gently explained.
Professionally speaking, she’s absolutely right. I don’t need to recognize our “lovely campus coordinator” for all the “amazing work that she’s doing” every Wednesday morning. It’s a little much, I’ll admit. However, our verse today is a reminder that my love for my wife should be visible to those around me.
Meaning, it should be visible to the middle school and high school students I get to serve when they hear me talk about what a great gift marriage is. It should be visible to men around me when they see my eyes look away from another attractive female who’s entered the room. It should be visible to our staff and volunteers when they see me serve my wife during an event she’s stressed about.
To quote Jon’s message from Sunday: “The world should understand God’s love better because of my love for my spouse.”
In other words, my love for Hannah should be a visible example of how much Jesus loves us.
There may be people who think I gush over her a little too much, and they’re probably right. But what can I say?—I’m hopelessly in love with my wife—and I’m unapologetically in love with Jesus.
APPLICATION
How do you typically express love to others? What are some ways you can use your love language to demonstrate the love of Jesus this week?
PRAYER
Lord, help our love for You to be on full display this week so that others can clearly see the heart of God.
