donpurdum
Marriage isn’t for the faint of heart, but the rewards of following God’s plan for this incredible covenant relationship ought to bring purpose, satisfaction, and fulfillment in your life.
Unfortunately, that’s not true of many marriages today.
What I see are too many broken hearts and people willing to give up on God’s plan and purpose for their lives and marriage. So many people are riddled with guilt, anger, and unforgiveness, often at themselves — And they don’t even know it. Over time, these things eat away at our relationship with Jesus and each other.
In yesterday’s email, I noted that love is not an emotion but a commitment. What I didn’t say is it’s also a choice. The words we choose, the non-verbal communication we give, and our emotions (both positive and negative) play a huge factor in our relationships. We have the power to build our spouses up or to tear them down.
The difference between couples who inspire each other and who hurt one another is found in two words used throughout the New Testament. These two powerful ideas can help us understand where things go right and where they go wrong. They hold the key to transforming our lives and our marriages.
Let’s jump in…
The first is sober-mindedness. The idea behind this word is that we are not to get swept away by our emotions or external forces. It’s a call to calmness and confident vigilance to protect against something bad.
The Greek word is nephomen. In the context of human relationships, especially marriage, it means to have a presence of mind and clear judgment.
In 1 Peter 5:8, the Apostle wrote, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
See, Satan wants nothing more than to destroy your marriage.
Why?
In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul reminds us that our marriages are the Earthly representation of His relationship to the Church. Christ is the Groom and the Church is His bride. How we interact with one another as married Christians point the world to Christ and the Church.
If Satan can destroy your marriage, he erodes the world’s blessing of the church. As importantly, he destroys two lives (or more) in the process.
When we are sober-minded, we are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in full communion with Christ and one another. We aren’t persuaded by the changing winds or whims of an incident, situation, trial, or tribulation. Instead, through adversity, we purposely and willfully encourage one another in our time of need.
If we are controlled solely by our emotions (fear, anger, bitterness, jealousy, envy, etc.) we are begging for trouble. You are inviting sin to run rampant in your secret life and ultimately undermine your marriage.
The next word is self-control.
Self-control and sober-mindedness go hand-in-hand. This word means to exert control over the choices you make.
In your self-control, you are disciplined and focused on your spiritual growth in Christ and on ensuring your marriage is a safe space emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
You also spiritually and emotionally mature by not thinking more highly of yourself than you ought to (Romans 12:3), but instead elevate the needs of your spouse over your own.
When sober-mindedness and self-control co-exist, you demonstrate to your spouse the seriousness of your love and the depth of your commitment to them. Your marriage will become about “us” and “we” not “you” or “me.”
This is the beginning of learning to live together in transparency, confidence, trust, and intimacy.
Let me ask you… If you showed up for each other in this way every day, wouldn’t it change your marriage?
Would you feel closer to your spouse?
Isn’t this the relationship you hoped for when you got married and were full of happiness and excitement?
There is hope for your marriage!!!
For a very limited time, I’m opening up my exclusive Miracle Marriage Mentorship – normally reserved for private clients – completely FREE for 14 days.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- Two powerful weekly group sessions with direct access to me
- The Biblical blueprint that’s helping Christian’s win back their spouses
- Live “Workshop Calls” where I personally address YOUR exact situation
- A supportive brotherhood of Christian men fighting for their marriages
- Emergency access to our private community
Plus, I’ll reveal the hidden spiritual attack that’s targeting Christian marriages (hint: it’s NOT what most marriage counselors think)
This special 14-day trial closes soon.
God is offering you a path forward.
When you claim your free 1-1 call you can get access to the entire mentorship program – completely free – for 14 days.
But I have to warn you, this is for a VERY limited time.
We’re doing this as our “Black Friday” special, and we’re starting it early.
So if you want me to help you FREE for two weeks, this is your absolute best chance.
