HOPE FOR THE HOME: The ABC's of spiritual maturity in marriage Part II

Special Valentine’s Edition for February: We are dedicating this Valentine month to the question which we often hear in our Hope for the Home Conferences, “What is the secret of your marriage of over five decades?” We simply call it the “ABC's of Spiritual Maturity in Marriage.” This approach focuses on emphasizing positive qualities over negative ones.

Jerry: 5. Endurance Over Evaporation - " But he who endures(continues) to the end shall be saved," Matthew 24:13. Marriage is not the Olympic 109.36-yard dash, but rather the Olympic marathon of 26.2 miles. The dash takes place on a flat track without any obstacles besides the presence of other competitors. The marathon encounters different terrains and surroundings. Marathon runner, John Stephen Akhwari represented Tanzania in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. He was badly wounded during the race while jockeying for position. However, he continued running and eventually finished last among the 57 competitors. As he finally crossed the finish line a cheer came from the small crowd which remained in the stadium. When interviewed later and asked why he had continued running, he said, "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race." This demonstration of courage and devotion when applied to marriage will ensure that when you finish the race there too will be rejoicing and celebrating.

6. Faith Over Fear - "And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith,” Luke 17:5. There are ample occasions in marriage when it is easier to express fear rather than faith. However, the same Jesus who increased the faith of the disciples will do the same for you when the winds of adversity and the storms of uncertainty arise. If you as a couple will stay in the Word of God, the Word of God will stay in you. And when He speaks, the storms obey His voice.

Becky: 7. Giving Over Getting – “The Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’” Acts 20:35. We often say to young married couples, “There are two types of people in the world, the givers and the takers.” If you practice responsible, consistent giving of your time, talents, and treasures to each other and to others you will experience the provisions of God in ways which are unexplainable. In marriage, like in other areas of life, you do not live to get, you live to give. That is a valuable lesson to teach your children.

8. Hope Over Hopelessness - "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil," Hebrews 6:19. In those moments when the dark shades of blue creep into your life and marriage remember that your hope in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ is an anchor which is assured and unwavering. He will never abandon either you or your marriage. As the great hymn reminds us, “When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand: all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.”

Jerry and his wife Becky are on American Family Radio weekdays at 4:20 PM (CT) and on Sundays at 5:35 PM (CT). Check out their resources for the family at HopefortheHome.org. Becky’s latest book, “The Bright Side of Blue” and Dr. Drace’s, “44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage” offer biblical principles and timely advice for dealing with the challenges and trials of life. You may order these and other resources by contacting them at: hopeforthehome@juno.com.