READ: Proverbs 5:15-20, 21:9, 31:12, 31:25, 31:28
In the previous
devotional, we noted that reaching the potential for marriage that God intended
involves following His prescription for marriage. It’s important at this point
to note what hard work this is! However,
it’s hard work that’s MORE than worth it. Do we believe this? Whether or not we
actually can affirm this truth will greatly impact whether we’ll persevere
through the ups and downs that come with any close relationship.
What kind of hard
work does Proverbs emphasize? First, this work includes staying pure and being
attentive to each other sexually. Purity in marriage is far more than not
having sexual relationships with others. It includes not giving our hearts or
eyes over to another in any way. You
see, there’s the world’s standard, the standard of our flesh and THEN there’s
God standard. God’s standard includes serving our spouses sexually. It’s not
just what to avoid, but also what TO DO!
Second, we’re
called to do the hard work of working against conflict. Proverbs says, “it is
better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a
quarrelsome wife” (21:9). Some men love quoting this, but in all seriousness,
God is asking men and women to eliminate behaviours that cause unnecessary
conflict. This does not mean suppressing our feelings, but with God’s help,
expressing them in a godly, gentle and generous spirit.
Third, not only
should we seek to eliminate unnecessary conflict, we should also desire to be good to each other! The women in
Proverbs 31 is commended with these words, “she does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life” (31:12). This is the CALL that God has for both
husband and wife. Are both of them intentionally taking steps to DO good to
their spouse? This includes praising each other, before others and to one another.
We must speak highly of our spouses!
Finally, the hard
work of marriage includes using the strength of our marriages to bless others.
Put another way, a blessed marriage will also bless others. Again, we look to
the woman of Proverbs 31 as an example, “she opens her hand to the poor and
reaches out her hands to the needy” (31:20).
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
If
married, ask God to affirm where YOU have worked hard to contribute to your
marriage. Look at the various things noted in this devotional as a guide. Then
ask Him, where have you been lazy or shown a lack of diligence? Ask Him for
some immediate steps to correct this.
2.
If
single, pray that God would work in your life so that if He grants you the gift
of marriage, you’ll be prepared. Also spend some time lifting up in prayer
those who are married, that God may give them the strength to obey His Word.
