Brothers,

I want to share a success I've had recently. I have been seeking to live a deliberately godly life as a man and husband over the last few months, and while I won't claim that it's turned my life around in a few short days (like a bad infomercial!), I have been encouraged recently.

After reading this post on validation, I realised that I was implicitly seeking validation from my wife in many areas. Whether it was my preaching, housework, my business, my character; I measured the success or failure of many of these things based on her expressed or implied response to my actions.

I have sought to put this to death by simply getting after it and working hard and not openly seeking appraisal, much harder than I thought. I have to constantly remind myself that the Lord sees all my deeds, and because of who I am in Christ, I can live a life that pleases God! It hasn't been easy, and I was bracing myself for a season where my work goes unrecognised by my wife.

But, last night, when my family was around, my wife complimented me in front of them! This would never have happened before, and I am glad of it! Of course, I need to continue to make sure my identity is based on who I am in Christ, and not be lead astray by compliments any more that I am by criticism. But still, it felt great.

God bless you guys!