Honor by Association

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. Proverbs 31:23

City gates were part of a city’s protection as well as places of central activity. Important business transactions took place there. When Boaz wanted to become Ruth’s kinsman redeemer, he went to her other male relative at the city gate to have witnesses to his offer. The city gate was where court was convened and announcements were made. I imagine them as being the place to see and be seen.

Can’t you just picture the men congregating to discuss important matters of the day. Peddlers with carts loaded with fruit or birds for sale. People coming and going through the gates as they returned from travel or left on a journey. Folks coming to hear the latest news as they drew water from the well. The city gate was “the place” to hang out. Kids playing in the dust.

A seat “among the elders of the land” was a high honor indeed. The husband of the Proverbs 31 woman is respected and obviously well-known. Who wouldn’t be with such an industrious wife? His position is secured because of how his wife carries herself and stewards all that she has. He receives honor by his association with her.

My husband reminds our children that they represent the entire McCaskey family and their behavior in public should mirror that fact. Growing up, we would hear my grandmother or an aunt tell us not to “act a fool” in public. (For the record, acting a fool in private wasn’t tolerated either!) Pastors say, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.”

Our actions – positive and negative –  reflect upon those we are associated with, family, friends, church, work. The same holds true for the bride of Christ – the Church. How we carry ourselves as Christians reflects back on the Kingdom of God, on the Godhead. What we do (or don’t do) in public and in private, allows others to form an opinion about Christ and other Christians.

The question I’ve asked myself recently is what am I reflecting to others? Do my actions and words bring honor to my husband?  Do the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart give glory to God? What about how or where I spend my free time? Even what I wear can impact another’s view of Christ.

Not that I’ll get it right every time, but I want to at least be aware of when my actions might shed a negative light on my husband, my family or my God. In Luke 17:1, Jesus said “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.”

Lord, help me always choose to act in ways that honor you and bring glory to your name. Do not let my actions or words cause another of your children to fall into sin or fall away from you. Amen.

Selah… Andrea