Monday, November 3, 2008

Continuation of Celebrating the Differences in Marriage!

This weeks sermon was on Staying Faithful. This is something our society is plagued with on the daily basis, whether it is in the media or the work place. Thank you again to Pastor Dave for this message. Men and women have different expectations in marriage. If we were the same it would be easy and uncomplicated to be selfish because in meeting our needs we would meet the needs of our partner. For your marriage to be healthy you need to think of your spouse before yourself. I Do~means I Do recognize my spouses needs and I need to work to meet those needs.

There is a Downward Spiral that any of us can become a part of if we are not careful.

The Downward Spiral that can lead to Unfaithfulness
Step #1 Position of Vulnerability
*This can be stress, boredom or unmet expectations.

Step #2 Presumed Innocence
*Boundaries can be crossed even without physical contact. Sharing your deepest and most personal thoughts or feelings with someone outside of your marriage may seem innocent.

Step #3 Rationalized Behavior
*May start to say things like "This person meets my (emotional, physical or spiritual) needs better than my spouse." "Doesn't God want me to be Happy?"
*God is more interested in your Holiness than your Happiness~Pastor Dave

Step #4 Physical Involvement
*It adds a newness like when you are first married.

We may feel so secure in our marriage that we don't think about our spouses needs.

The Bible has something to say about this and it applies to both men and women.

Guard your Heart
"Do not let your heart turn to her ways" Prov. 7:25a
*Your heart can be turned before there is any physical act.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ Matthew 5:27
"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl." Job 31:1
We all can experience vulnerability~Anything that steals your heart from your spouse can rob you of time with your spouse. Ie...work, hobby etc...

Watch your Step
"Do not stray into her path" Prov. 7:25b
This is about being wise as to when and where you are alone with the opposite sex.
"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13:14

Consider the Cost
"Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death" Prov. 7:26-27
Adulterous behavior can feel like death, whether it be emotional, physical or spiritual.

Keep the Home Fires Burning
"Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. ...May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth' Prov. 5:15, 18

Your spouse is a gift from God. To not appreciate the gift is not to appreciate the giver. Infidelity happens because we become complacent.
We have to make our spouse a priority in our hearts. Allow God to work in you to meet your spouses needs.

2 comments:

  1. hmm I would like to come to your church :)

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  2. I've been thinking about your post all day. Here is my thoughts. Aren't we supposed to make ourselves happy before we make others happy. It may sound selfish, but if we aren't happy how are we to make others. and we can't MAKE others. They have to be happy on their own..does this make sense? Anyways... my thought process is a bit sketchy apparently! haha can i repost this too ?

    ReplyDelete

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