A word to us husbands

When I was in Bible School a friend of mine called herself a female chauvinist.  So, being the good Christian that I was I would torment her by quoting to her that wives were to be submissive to their husbands.  Of course that would just send her on a tirade.

We always want to focus on that section of what Paul was saying and we miss the rest of the message.

Eph 5:22 — Eph 5:25
Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord.
For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church, Himself the Savior of [His] body.
As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

Yes, wives do need to give place to their husbands, which I know does not fit well with our society and the women's rights movement, but it is still the Word of God.  This does not mean that women should be door mats either.  

Husbands, we are to love our wives as Christ love the church and gave up everything for us.  So, if we expect our wives to respect us for the position we have, then we have a responsibility to give up everything for them.  

There are times when I need some me time, but I also realize that my wife would like my attention as well.  I have to sometimes put down my book or stop playing my games so that I can give my attention to her.  I have to say, I am not always good at this.  

The last point I want to make is remember what Jesus gave up for us.  What He had to go through.  It was not what He wanted or what He desired.  He had to say no to his desires because He loved us so much.  

Do you love your wife enough to put your desires and enjoyment to the side for her?  

Lord, thank you for dying on the cross for me, being buried and rising again on the third day.  Help me to die out to my desires and my wants so that I can love my wife like you loved us.