The key truth about marriage is that true happiness is not to be found in your relationship with your husband , but in your relationship with Christ . Let ’ s look at ten key principles to a more fulfilling marriage :
1 . Your Husband Was Never Meant to Be Your Happily-Ever-After
Asking your husband to be the source of your happiness is an unfair expectation . You were created to delight in Christ and to be consumed by your love for Him .
When you resolve to pursue loving Christ with all of your being , you will find the secret to happiness lies in your relationship with God alone . Only then can you enjoy fellowship with your husband in a way that honors Christ and blesses your husband .
2 . Respecting Your Husband Will Inspire Him to Love You More
God created your husband with a deep longing to be respected by you . Just as deeply as you long to be loved without condition , your husband desires to receive unconditional respect from you . Notice I said unconditional respect . This means you don ’ t get to hold hostage your respect for your husband when you aren ’ t happy with him . Ephesians 5:33 says , “ Let the wife see that she respects her husband ” ( ESV ). This is not a suggestion ; this is the Lord ’ s command to us as wives .
Your respect can motivate your husband to accomplish great achievements –– because a man who is honored by his wife can do great things !
3 . Staying in Love Is All About Your Love for God
Any wife who displays godly character by loving her husband will tell you that the key to loving your husband does not lie in how well he measures up to your expectations , but in how well you love God .
Before you were married , when you fell in love with your man , you had positive and loving thoughts about him . In marriage , you must work to continue to think such thoughts about him .
If you have not made a habit of thinking the best about your husband , you will need to determine to take “ every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ .” With God ’ s help , you can gain victory over negative thoughts about your husband and replace them with thoughts that are honorable , lovely , and commendable .
When your love for God is right , He will help you to love your husband .
4 . Parenting as One Brings Unity into Your Marriage and Security to Your Kids
Your children ’ s security lies in the health of your marriage relationship . When you learn to live with your sights upon God ’ s calling on your life –– to know Christ and make Him known — this will influence how you live at home . God intends for you to live in a manner that draws your kids to Christ .
Your kids will be most secure when they observe their parents united , so don ’ t disagree with your husband in front of your children about certain rules or disciplines he may impose . Determine to bow together united in prayer , rather than stand in conflict with one another , because “ the effective , fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much ” ( James 5:16 ).
5 . The Grass Is Not Greener on the Other Side of the Fence
SMG Solutions 51