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

Maturing in Marriage: 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 and keeping our focus on the source of a successful and rewarding marriage – the word of God. This is the last part of this series. Hope you have enjoyed it.

Jerry: 24. Expected Over Unexpected - "My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him,” Psalm 62:5. The pressing temptation in the time of a crisis in a marriage is to do or say something immediately. As difficult as it is, we are to affirm the above words of King David as he was facing the conspiracy organized by his son, Absalom. Again, we read in Psalm 46:10, the need to, “Be still and know that I am God…” The unexpected behavior or announcement from our spouse can prompt an impulsive response which can lead to disastrous results. Expect the best from each other and in the event the unexpected arises, go to the word of God and wait silently and patiently for His wisdom and guidance.

Becky: 25. Yielding Over Yanking - “Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it,” Ephesians 5:21-25. The “Yielding over Yanking” concept is that of both husband and wife voluntarily yielding to the true head of the house and the master of the marriage - Jesus Christ. Selfishness, conceit, and narcissism are guaranteed ingredients that will yank the joy out of a marriage. One of the greatest paradigms to integrate into marriage is what is commonly referred to as the chain of command. It is clearly defined in scripture in Ephesians 5-6:4. With this model the family has a firm understanding of the responsibilities of each member. Following this model will safeguard the foundation of marriage.

Jerry: 26. Zeal Over Zany - “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing,”1 Thessalonians 5:11. This verse implies expressing zeal in our Christian conduct whether it be in our marriage or in our interaction with fellow believers. Zeal, in the biblical sense, refers to a fervent intensity or passion directed toward a cause, person, or principle. In marriage the husband-and-wife exhibits zeal by encouraging, praying for, and holding one another accountable in love. The antithesis of this would be a zany approach to marriage which results in foolish and immature behavior. The consequence of this irresponsible attitude is sure to lead to chaos and confusion. We are reminded in scripture, “Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife,” Proverbs 17:1.

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.