Mike Whitney Says…

No, this article isn’t a variation of Simon Says. Neither is it as conceited as it may first appear.  I don’t presume to be the last word on anything. Some of you know, most of you don’t, however, that there is another Mike Whitney living in the Midcoast Region. He is a godly man and Pastor of First Baptist Church in Freeport. He also holds down two positions in the Navigators organization. And he is, I am honored to say, my friend.

We get together from time to time and sharpen each other with the Word of God, practice accountability, and offer encouragement and support. He is the one who gave me a copy of what has come to be one of my favorite books, “Abide in Christ” by Andrew Murray. A book that is changing my life. Mike is also on the Advisory Board of Paraclete Men’s Ministries.

The reason I gave this article the title I did is because I want to share some wisdom that Mike passed on to me that will challenge you and strengthen your marriage if you apply it. Mike told me “My friend, you need to know that every job in your house is your job! Whether it is mowing the lawn or doing the dishes. You may delegate some of it to your wife, but it is your job.” [Emphasis mine].

Now, you need to know that this wisdom didn’t go down easy for me and I am still working on getting used to its truth. I grew up with the notion that there was ‘woman’s work’ and ‘man’s work’, and these two must remain separate. Maybe you hold the same view. Friend, I’ve since come to believe that such reasoning is, to put it bluntly, balderdash! It is not true; it is unworkable; and it can cause great friction and isolation between you and your wife.

Men, I encourage you, and yes, challenge you to give this some serious thought. I know I am. Then do the hard part…put it into practice.

Mike Whitney (The other Mike Whitney)