The Pastor’s Wife.
I wonder what thoughts come to your mind when you hear the phrase. Maybe it’s the picture of your own pastor’s wife, a list of qualifications, or a specific ministry. Perhaps there’s a certain task you feel is vital for a pastor’s wife to fulfill. The truth is, all of us tend to have a bit of an “ideal image” when it comes to certain people, pastors and their wives not excluded.
I was thinking recently about the most important ministry of a pastor’s wife. Of all the ministries in a church, which is the most important? There are so many things a pastor’s wife could do, but if she neglects this particular thing, she might as well give up going to church. (In fact, she probably will.)
What is the most important thing a pastor’s wife can do?
Care for her soul.
Truly, no person can care for their own soul, but only allow it to be in the perfect care of their heavenly Father.
“As they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her”” (Luke 10:38-42).
At the feet of Christ my sins are revealed and my heart is convicted. Only at his feet can I find deep refreshment for my soul even in the middle of difficult, exhausting circumstances.
How do you get this soul care?
Sit at the feet of Jesus. Simply put: read God’s Word.
Take the Bible and ask God to apply it to your heart. Ask him to reveal sin, show you his love, and teach you his goodness. Worship him for the Sovereign Creator and Faithful Father that he truly is. Sing to him and let your heart be warmed by the truths you are singing. Weep over the fact that God knows everything about you and still proclaims his faithful, eternal love over you because of Jesus.
Like Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus, choose the thing that cannot be taken away from you. This doesn’t mean you cannot or should not be involved in other ministries. But be careful not to neglect the private care of your soul in favor of public service for the eyes of men.
“Don’t neglect private soul care
for public service.”
Let’s sit at the feet of Jesus. And may our service to others spill out of the overflow of abundant care Christ pours into our souls.