Wives need to know their husbands will take care of them. More than wealth, a woman desires security and a husband who practices wise stewardship. A good question to ask would be, "Honey, would you describe me as a budget-keeper or a budget-buster?"

This does not mean guys have to handle all the finances. If my wife was an accountant, I'd gladly turn over the books! Financial initiative means that a husband plays an active role in managing the finances and making sure both husband and wife are committed to the same financial plan.

Initiation Questions:

1. Are you giving the Lord ten percent as a starting point? Do you and your wife talk about ways you can contribute financially to the Kingdom?

2. Are you in debt? Do you and your wife have a plan to eliminate debt?

3. Does your wife know your plan for savings, both long and short-term?

4. How will your wife be taken care of when you are gone?

With the Family

Many men use their vocation as an excuse to avoid parenting. They believe their primary role as a parent is to be a provider. In reality, parenting requires both the husband and the wife. Many counselors say the image children develop of their Heavenly Father is built upon the image of their earthly father. Therefore if a dad remains emotionally distant or acts only as a disciplinarian, his children's view of God will take on the same visage. However, if a dad intentionally moves into the lives of his children, their image of God will be more rounded. They'll experience the love, grace, discipline, and vision of a good father.

Initiation Questions:

1. When was the last time you took your son or daughter on a "date with Dad," to spend individual time with them?

2. Do you constantly tell your children you love them and are proud of them?

3. How are you preparing your children for the future?

4. How are you building into your children spiritually?

Spiritually

Paul calls husbands to initiate spiritually with their wives in Ephesians 5:25-26: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word." Part of our responsibility as husbands is to present our wives as better off spiritually than when they first met us. That's a daunting task. It may be the hardest responsibility most husbands face. However, God calls us to be the "spiritual pacesetter." We do that by initiating spiritual conversations, seeking out ways to mutually grow, and consistently praying.