The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: MARRIAGE (08/25/16)
We live in a culture where people are easily offended and fighting to have their rights and personal needs met. Many times what we want isn’t for the benefit of all. Unlike man, every decision God makes is for our well-being, whether we agree or not.

When it comes to fairness, I must examine the motive of my heart. If my motive isn’t aligned with God’s Word, then I am wrong. “God’s way is perfect,” [not mine] (Psalm 18:30, NLT).

When I seek to do God’s will there is a shift in my heart to put the needs of others before mine. There’s no greater example of setting aside my rights than in marriage.

Marriage is addressed several times in scripture. When a verse is repeated in the Old and New Testament, I pay particular attention to why it was emphasized. In Genesis 2:24 and Mark 10:8 we are told when two marry, they become one. God’s word is specific and in Ephesians 5:21-33 He provides guidance how to have a healthy and thriving marriage.

September 7 is our 31 anniversary and I’m beyond blessed with a godly husband. What attracted me first to my husband was his “what you see is what you get,” personality.

He is the same regardless who he’s with. There are those who have actually said upon meeting him, “who is this guy?” Once they get to know him they see the same qualities and find him to be a “breath of fresh air.”

It is a rare quality and it’s one reason I love him so much. Another quality is he isn’t self-seeking. As a husband, he continually puts my needs above his own. He loves me the way Christ loves the church. He sacrifices a lot to bring joy into my life and our home.

Neither of us are perfect, but we’ve learned joy in marriage is at its best when we meet the needs of one another before our own. In the moment of a heated argument I tend to focus on one thing; what’s advantageous for me.

Ephesians 5 states the “wife must submit to her husband the way the church submits to Christ.” The church is to seek the will of God and align their hearts with His. When I seek God’s will I live to serve Him, not me. I’m able to step back and recognize where I’m being selfish.

There are no words in theses verses that indicate I’m to push for my way. Quite the opposite. When I look to serve my husband, opposed to expecting to be served, there is a shift in my heart. I’m able to think rationally and lovingly.

I find when I’m demanding my way, there’s more conflict. If I push for what I think is fair, I set not only the desires of my husband aside, but also Gods. I tend to not connect the two, but they are.

I strive to follow God because I know when I do, my love for Him grows and never diminishes. When I focus on submission to my husband the way the church is to submit to Christ, it’s easier for me to love and care for my husband, which produces the same results – a love that grows and never diminishes.

When I see my husband loving me as Christ loves the church, I am trusting God that my husband is making the best choice for us. There is something spiritual that takes place when this happens and it’s because Christ is at the center of our lives.

When I push to have the advantage over my husband it puts a wedge where actions of love are hindered. My self-centered focus dishonors God, but I also dishonor and disrespect my husband.

Hebrews 10:24 states, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works,” NLT. I Thessalonians 5:11 states, “So encourage each other and build each other up…” (NLT).

“People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart,” (Proverbs 21:2, NLT). Righteousness is living right with God, but self-righteousness is living for me, absent of God.

I must allow God to examine my heart so I can spur my husband on to do good. It’s not about me, but Christ, and when I put my husband first, it’s when we operate as one with Christ at the center of our actions. It’s how love can flourish after 31 years together.

https://www.biblegateway.com
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 652 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Larry Whittington
09/03/16
As I say, I may be right but I don't have to (win the argument) be.

This is very well thought out, organized nicely and well written.

Can you write a book for those needy couples who don't think like you think. What is really needed , though, is high school and college age material that is teaching this in churches. This is solid church doctrine that isn't always emphasized.

Good writing.
C D Swanson 
09/03/16
I enjoyed your writing and the message.

I love the entire Bible and God's word, but like many, have favorite verses here and there.

One of them is from Proverbs chapter three...I basically love all of chapter three. But this part pertains to your entry.

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Great job.

Blessings~
Pamela Hill
09/05/16
You have a gift for simply presenting a very difficult principle. I agree with Larry, it would be wonderful to see the things God has taught you being taught to young people entering into wedded bliss.

Good job! I enjoyed this read.
Teresa Odden
09/07/16
Thank you all for the encouraging words. I can't express enough my thanks for taking time to read my article. Marriage is hard work but the challenges are the things that should make a marriage stronger.

I'm not sure I'm the best one to write a book on marriage, but thank you, Larry, for the confidence and kind words.