I’m a fortunate man indeed. As many pastors and other Christian leaders will testify, they have succeeded in ministry in spite of their wives. For some, it’s been an unusually difficult road. They’ve had to put out fires that their spouses had started. In fact, they have not been able to trust their wives with confidential information since they’ve known they would not keep it confidential.

I cannot think of one instance in all of our years of ministry when Elaine violated my trust with confidential information. On the other hand, I can remember times when I shared information with others, only to have her quickly but privately remind me that I had taken that information in confidence.

One of the authors of the book of Proverbs asked the following question: “A wife of noble character who can find?” He then continued to state that if she can be found, “She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life” (31:10-12).

By God’s grace, He enabled me to meet this kind of woman. All these years she has reflected integrity and dignity — and at times when I’ve made decisions that have been less than wise and prudent, she has graciously helped me get back on the right path.

Why have I written this tribute? The biblical author who described the woman of noble character in Proverbs 31 concluded his own tribute with these words — “Give her the reward she has earned” (v. 31). That is reason enough for me to pen these words about Elaine at this moment in her life. Though she knows her weaknesses — and so do I — she has exemplified Jesus Christ to me as no other human being! Thank you, Elaine! It’s a privilege to write this tribute.

Transformed by Jesus Christ

Needless to say, no Christian woman is perfect, just as no Christian man is perfect. However, by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, it’s possible for Christian women (and men) to be reverent in the way they live, to live holy lives.

We must remind ourselves often that there’s only been one perfect human being — the God-man, Jesus Christ. However, the Scriptures are clear that we are to imitate Christ. He is the standard by which we are to measure ourselves (see Eph. 4:13). When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he stated: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).

Knowing Christ Personally

Becoming like Christ must begin with a personal relationship with the Savior. The Bible calls this a born-again experience (see John 3:3). It happens as a result of faith — not works. This is why Paul wrote to the Ephesians:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast (2:8-9).