He who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 14:11)

It feels great to have someone – a friend, a co-worker, or a family member – view us as a person of great worth. To have such a promise of exaltation from the Lord is tremendous. But to be valued as important by one’s spouse may be the highest exaltation one can receive from another human. Others in work, church, or community may lift us up, but there’s no comparison with the impact of “I’m proud of you” from our spouse.

That – being exalted by our spouse and exalting him or her in return – is one of the truly great benefits of marriage.

Our scripture passage encourages us not to pursue exaltation, but humility instead – this with the confidence that the Lord will “lift you up” in His time and in His way. Important in such an encouragement and promise is the idea that He intends that sometimes the exaltation of our spouse come through me. It’s a tremendous privilege to be involved in God’s plan of the exaltation of others, beginning with the one closest to us: our spouse.

This exaltation might come from a private compliment or public praise. It might come in declining to commit to one of our children’s requests until we discuss it with our spouse. It might come in a tender moment of reflection and with words such as, “I’m sure glad you are my wife, and I love you.”

In whatever form it comes, lifting up our spouse as a special person is essential for an intimate marriage. It’s also a tremendous privilege reserved for two people who share the love and intimacy reserved for marriage.

ACTION ASSIGNMENT
What words could we speak and what actions could we take part in to exalt our spouse today?

PRAYER: Lord, let my words and actions exalt the great worth of my spouse today and every day of our marriage. In Jesus’ name, amen.