Christian Commitment to Christ-Centered Marriage

Power for Living: Volume 5 Number 4

Couples Commitment to Christ-Centered Marriage 

Focus Text: Malachi 2: 13 - 16

And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

The Almighty God is standing as a witness between the married couples.

God has standards, principles and commandments that should guide all aspects of the relationship of the married couples. So, God bears witness to see who is faithful and committed to the health of the marriage in accordance with the will of God.

If every spouse in a marriage is conscious of this truth, each will fulfill his or her own responsibilities and expectations as unto the Lord and not unto man.

God's instructions for a godly marriage has to be followed strictly by each spouse not minding the faithfulness or otherwise of the other spouse.

There are several reasons why a person is his or her  own problem in a marriage relationship. Some of these include:

1.  Selfishness and Self-Centeredness

When you are selfish and self-centered, you  don't want anything more than what you expect for yourself alone. You want to be treated fine, you want to be cared for, you want this or that, just you, you and you alone, but hardly care about what the other wants or needs.

You want your relationship to work your way alone and so, you get angry when he or she says ‘no’, let’s try it this way.  During communication, you dominate and hardly listen to the other as if they have nothing to say; learn to listen often because even a child has something to say. Even in silent a lot is spoken.

2.  Being Too Possessive 

When you  are too possessive, the relationship will have problems. You can’t possess a human being or have him or her all for yourself. You can only do that to a robot, and humans are not robot.

3.  A Critical and Judgemental Spirit 

When you are always dissatisfied will your spouse actions, always finding faults and complaining rather than appreciating him or her more. You have an emotional problem and so, work on yourself first before looking for the best in your partner.

4.  Holding on to the Hurts of the Past

When you didn’t forgive yourself and others in  your past and so, you carry a wounded heart into a new relationship, the relationship cannot be at peace. You keep punishing him or her as if he or she was the cause of your problem. 

The way out  to call yourself to order and deal with your problems.

5.  Inability to Keep Secrets on Sensitive Issues 

When you talk too much and easily share sensitive relationship information or secrets with friends which they will later use against you, or broadcast further to others on your behalf.

You will need to learn how to be reserved. In the midst of friends, listen more and say less. Maturity entails secrecy and remember that no two relationships work the same way. Yours may be different from theirs.

6.  The Spirit of Anger and Hot-temperedness

It is a very bad nature when you easily get angry. There is a thin line between anger and pride. If you get angry often, check yourself: you may be having inner sensitive pride that you are using anger to cover up.

7.  Inability to Speak the Whole Truth 

A dishonest and lying spouse cannot be trusted, and where there is no trust, the relationship cannot stand. 

 One lie can ruin your entire honesty in a relationship. Lie is a sign of disrespect and so, avoid it as much as possible.

8.  Nursing the Feeling of being Unwanted or Unloved 

When you have already concluded that you are not wanted nor loved, you misinterpret even positive actions.

 How can you be in a relationship with someone with no picture of love, care and tenderness? When you are nursing this evil feeling, you can easily hate him or her.

9.  Lack of Discipline in Attitude and Actions 

Marriage relationships  experience great troubles when there is lack of discipline in certain attitudes and actions of the spouse. For instance,  lack of discipline in dressing, sleeping, eating and in talking.

10.  Sexual immortalities and Unfaithfulness 

All forms of sexual immortalities and infidelities can cause a great havock in marital relationships.

You are never satisfied with one partner, and enjoy casual flirting with others that are not your wife or husband. This is terrible and against the sanity of marriage.

11.  Laziness and Over dependence on your Spouse 

Marriage is for mutual benefit, and the two people coming together as one is expected to be better than either of them when single.

Get a work, make your own money and contribute your support for the home.

12.  Lack of Spiritual Growth for One or Both Spouses

The Word of the Lord requires that we should grow in grace and in the knowledge of God. When one or both spouses are not growing, the relationship will suffer set backs.

When you have neglected God totally and operate like no one created you or that there is no spiritual realm somewhere, you will get easily manipulated or attacked because you are spiritually weak or insensitive.

If you want to enjoy your marital relationship, and build a Christ-Centered marriage, it will take faithfulness and commitment on your own part while you also trust God to work through your spouse.

God is standing as a witness and will judge between the man and his wife. Will you be commended or condemned?

Prayers:

Lord Jesus, I ask for your grace to be faithful and committed in my marital relationship and to be pleasing unto you in all areas.

2.  Father Lord, help everyone in marriage to be faithful to his or her spouse according to your will.

Thanks so much for going through this article: Power for Living.

It is a weekly publication of Ultimate Power Gospel Assembly, Nigeria.

For Prayers and Counseling Contact:

Bishop Prof. Julius O. Soyinka 

juliussoyinka@outlook.com

+2348035822785