Embrace Diversity

I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14

In this world you will find that no two people are exactly the same.  Even in the case of identical twins, if you observe their habits and daily living, you will find they are quite unique.  You may notice two red-robin birds yet if you get closer you will see the color slightly varied. Marriage is not about a perfect match or how many things you have in common; however, it is taking two distinct individuals and bringing them into a balanced harmony with one another. We know that you have realized by now just how different you both are; therefore, embrace your diversities opposed to seeking to change one another.

            These differences do not have to be a struggle or a distraction in your marriage.  In fact, they should present an opportunity for enhancement and growth. Your spouse’s unique tastes, interesting habits, and peculiar preferences are sure to add stimulation to your marriage.  It is not wise to try and influence those harmless and unfamiliar ways about your spouse to become more like what you are familiar with or what you prefer. However, when you embrace what your spouse brings to the marriage it will create a belonging and shared openness. Try it! In doing so, you just may learn something new about yourself. 

            When you open up and invite the uniqueness of your spouse to partner with your own uniqueness you both will find new and exciting ways to interact with one another. Furthermore, you will relieve yourself from the stress of trying to change someone that God didn’t give you permission to change. He holds the blueprint to your spouse’s make-up and declares it to be distinct.  Try not to waste your days, months, and years on negative views that you have formed about your spouse; instead, try embracing the fact that you are both distinct and irreplaceable.

From Anthony and Patrice Martin

Keep Compromise out of Your Relationship

Colossians 3rd Chapter (whole chapter) and Romans 8:5-8

     Can a Christian Married couple take a stand against a compromising lifestyle?  The answer is Yes; providing they both come into an agreement concerning what they value the most.  This will determine the extent of how they will live.  

     Every married couple has priorities in their relationship.  These are the areas the couple give their attention to the most.  It could be their children, finances, careers, education, social life, or some other area.  There are some married couples who even list their priorities according to what they know should be important, however, is this their reality? For example; a married couple may have God first on their list, one another, and their children as their most important areas.  This may be the desire however, the couple may start to experience a pull into other areas that takes them away from their desired priorities. If this kind of thing happens the couple will need to make the necessary adjustments in keeping their order from becoming hindered. They must see those three areas as an absolute must in making their relationship thrive.

     Jesus said in the Gospel of Luke chapter 12; verse 34, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”  Notice the word usage that Jesus used when he said, “treasure,” indicating where one places his values.  He went on to conclude the heart will be where the values (treasures) are.  As Christians we are to value our relationship with God more than anything else and allow nothing to interfere to the point where compromise is suggested.  It is critical that married couples hold true to their faith and seek to practice the values as outlined in scripture. This serves as the root and foundation that holds their marriage together and should not be compromised at any point.  Think about the stability of a chair that has four legs.  The legs would be considered the foundation of the chair, how strong would the foundation be if one of the legs started to come loose?  How strong would the marital and family life be if the values of that supports their faith starts coming loose or compromised? 

     It is important that Christian married couples caution themselves from thinking flesh (carnality) first; and spiritual (Christ-like) second.  If the recipe is Carnality before Spirituality (Christ-like) the results will be as follows: (1.) corruption into the relationship, (2.) ungodly interaction toward one another, and (3.) divided thoughts and emotions.  In the Gospel of Mark chapter 3: verse 25, “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”  He shares with us that anytime division is present it corrupts and brings things down.  Just think, if a married couple does not practice the values of the faith; places more emphasis on secular living, and doesn’t set standards for their marriage, what do you believe will happen?  The husband and wife will live compromisingly and bring upon themselves hardships.  

     It is important that each married couple evaluate three things; (1.) Their practice (that is, how they are really living before God?); (2.) What are the challenged areas they are experiencing toward one another their relationship? and (3.) are they bringing order to the relationship, in defining it by God's Word?  The couple must come to the conclusion that compromising the values of God, marriage, and family is a recipe for disaster.  It may not show it in the beginning however, over a period time the relationship will start deteriorating spiritually and emotionally.  

     We encourage you to hold fast to these three pillars which are God, marriage, and family.  If you make these your main priorities and give them the attention that is needed; you will the experience peace and fulfillment that only God can give.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.  Galatians 5:1 (KJV)