Germatticole: Copying but worth it

I was reading Matt Willmington's blog this morning and it blew me away. Men used to look at me awkwardly about why I was so adamant about my restrictions with female contact but, my history, requires it. So I am re posting his blog here for everyone to see so that maybe a man or woman will see something in their life that needs to change to better their spouse or themselves.

Locking the rooftop door.

Posted on February 13, 2009 by willmington

One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace.

2 Samuel 11

It may seem like a strange sentiment, but this Valentine’s Day I am checking over the following list of ways to “lock the door to the rooftop.” No specific temptations in my marriage. I am just very grateful for my godly, beautiful wife of 21 years. I’ve watched too many friends and church leaders fall. I know my own weaknesses and don’t want to ever be arrogant when it comes to assessing my moral strength.

I once had a pastor who built some specific fences in his life. He’d tell the congregation “if I’m driving in a rain storm, and one of you ladies is broken down along the road – I’m not stopping for you!” We all laughed, and it seemed a little extreme. But we knew what he meant. He dearly loved his wife, and would err on the side of caution to stay away from temptation. These “rooftop door deadbolts” may seem a little legalistic – that’s ok, because they are MY deadbolts.

What are yours?

What Internet pictures/content am I viewing, lingering on?
Am I following or connecting with any women inappropriately on Facebook, Twitter?
Am I communicating inappropriately with any women through email?
Am I communicating inappropriately with any women through texting?
Which women have my cell phone number?
Am I socializing singularly, or growing a close friendship with any women?
Am I spending time counseling any women alone?
Am I working too closely with any women on staff?
Am I looking at, or thinking about women inappropriately?
Who are the men who hold me accountable spiritually for my moral life?
Is my wife aware of my struggles, weaknesses?
Do I look at my wife when we talk, do I watch her?
Do I daydream about my wife?
Do I listen to my wife when she is sharing her thoughts?
Do I show physical affection to my wife?
What plans, visions do I have for my wife’s life?
Do I work to help my wife grow spiritually?
Do I work to add value to my wife’s life?
Do I empower my wife to pursue her dreams, passions, interests?
Do I pray with my wife?
Do I serve my wife?
Do I help my wife parent our children?
Do I protect my wife?
Do I lift, carry my wife’s burdens?
Do I build my wife’s self-image with affirming words?
Matt was the first person who showed me how to take an interest in a teenagers life and it transformed me. I know that these standards will as well. Thanks Matt

I LOVE MY WIFE!!!

R