Friday, February 1, 2013

Q is for Quit Nagging

"It is better to live in a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman."
Proverbs 21:9

OK, I have been a bad blogger this week. Today is my last day at school and it is a very bittersweet end. I have really enjoyed the people I work with and the students I serve, but I am so excited for the next chapter in our lives. I know God has big plans for us, but the goodbyes are not going to be easy. Life has been absolutely insane as I try to close things at school, prepare for a move, and help get the final touches ready for my best friends wedding in 2 weeks. Crazy and exciting time for us.


I wanted to back up and hit Q (even though I know it really was Wednesday's challenge!). A hag nag is not a pretty quality for anyone. Whether we want to admit it or not, nagging to some extent is a struggle for most women. Before you totally disqualify yourself, take a look at what a nag is...

A nag...
-constantly finds fault
-is a source of anxiety
-scolds
-complains
-torments him when he makes a mistake
-brings up past mistakes (carries those history books around)
-urges....just a little too often
-is like a drippy faucet
-is not agreeable!

Oh dear! That is not a pretty picture. No wonder the Bible says it is better to be in the corner of the attic than in the house with this kind of woman (Proverbs 21:9). While I do not think my interactions with my husband are typically defined by nagging, I definitely have nagging moments. I see a demeanor change in my husband the second my nagging begins. To nag is to communicate disrespect.

A gracious wife...
-extends grace
-brings joy to her husband
-respects
-is helpful
-complements his strengths
-helps
-is kind

Doesn't that wife sound so much more beautiful?!?! This is the woman God calls me to be, and the helpmate I desire to be for my man! We are called to encourage, submit, and respect without grumbling or complaining.

The nagging wife quiz:
Give one point if you...
1. Criticize your husband's job or told him you wish he made more
2. Frequently remind him of his "honey-do" list
3. Tell him you don't like his friends or family
4. Bring up his bad habits and try to change them
5. Contradict him in front of others
6. Ever tell people he is not romantic
7. Tell him you wish he was more like ______ or was a better _____
8. Pick on his eating habits (criticize his portions) or tell him what he should/should not eat
9. Bring up old hurts to help drive home a point
10. Letting him know every time he has hurt or upset you

Now score:
0-3: Wahoo-you are a gracious wife!
4-6: You can nag at times. Keep striving. Look at those you said yes to and make a conscious effort to work on them!
7-10: You might be a nag. Pray! With God's help, you can become a gracious wife. Ask for your husband to help keep you accountable

By no means is that quiz official or diagnostic, but it truly does get us thinking! Friends, we are called to spurn our husbands on and encourage him towards growth. Pray the Lord reveals any areas that you nag, and seek His help to make changes. That doesn't mean you turn a blind eye to sin, but it does mean you seek out graciousness and gentleness.

Friday Favorite:
Yup, I have the greatest job in the world!

4 comments:

  1. Uh oh. I got a 10. Talk about a reality check! Thank you for posting this reminder, girl. Definitely needed it!

    Christina
    Behindbutterflyeyes.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. When I was first introduced to this verse it was sooooo convicting. I realized I was a nag. Eek!! Now when I have a nag desire I think of this verse. I don't want my husband to think life would be better without me.

    I absolutely LOVE the picture you posted!! Have you heard of Kelle Hampton? Her second daughter was born with Down Syndrome and she had no idea until she was born. Her blog is www.kellehampton.com. She wrote a book called "Bloom" and it is about her journey with Down Syndrome.

    Have a wonderful move!!
    Xoxxo

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  3. Hi, don't forget as part of the 'I Love My Post' blog hop, you have to follow all the hosts and co-hosts(including me) to take part :)

    http://bigmegowski.blogspot.ie/

    xo

    ReplyDelete