INPUTS FOR A GODLY MARRIAGE

*1. FAITHFULNESS*

When we say our vows at the altar, we promise to be faithful to one another for as long as we live. Loyalty to our spouse is the foundation of trust in our marriage; when loyalty and faithfulness disappear, so does that trust. And once broken, trust is difficult to re-establish.

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Mark 10:9 (New International Version)

*2. HONOR*

Merriam-Webster defines honor as “high respect; esteem.” It’s next-level respect, and as married couples, we’re meant to give the highest regard to one another. We show honor in the way we speak to each other, the way we behave, and the way we conduct ourselves both in and out of the home.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10 (NIV)

*3. HUMILITY*

Pride and arrogance have no place in a harmonious marriage; instead, we’re meant to be humble and unassuming; we shouldn’t jump to worst-case conclusions about one another, and we must always be ready to step up and admit when we’re wrong. Humility means not pushing our opinions on one another (even when we’re right), and giving our spouse the floor when we might really want it ourselves.

“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3(NIV)

*4. PATIENCE*

It can be a challenge to be patient with one another, especially when it comes to the inevitable personality clashes we have with our spouses from time to time. But the scriptures urge us to exercise patience, and to show kindness when we’re feeling irritated with one another. It’s one of the many attributes that helps us keep the peace in our marriages.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

*5. UNDERSTANDING*

Because a marriage consists of two very different people merging their lives and creating a home together, it’s important for us to try to understand each other–especially when our spouse is hardest to understand. Practicing empathy–the art of stepping into your spouse’s shoes and seeing situations from his or her angle–will help you as you work daily to understand one another.

“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together.” – 1 Peter 3:7 (NIV)

*6. UNITY*

In a marriage, husbands and wives are on the same team–two people who have chosen to be joined together as one. Unity doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything or have all the same preferences, likes, and dislikes; instead, it means sticking together in spite of your differences. It’s a conscious decision to work together to reach consensus, compromising when necessary as you make decisions together, both big and small.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

*7.TRUSTING GOD TO SHAPE and Reshape you you for your Marriage*

Know Jesus and Make Him Known

*10 Ways to Be More Successful in Life*

*1.Take decisive and immediate action*

An idea without a plan is still just an idea. In order to make your dreams a reality, you will need to take action and make it happen.

*2.Set realistic expectations*

Although it is important to maintain a high level of standard that we set for ourselves, it is also easy to get carried away. Don’t punish yourself when things don’t go as planned; stay persistent and positive to get things done. The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists—it rewards people who get things done.

*3.Work outside of your comfort zone*

When an opportunity presents itself, just go for it, and don’t let fear hold you back. You won’t be able to grow as an individual if you choose to stay in the same place. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.

*4.Manage your time wisely*

Prioritize your goals, and decide what is worthy of your time now and what can wait. When your schedule is more cleared up, you will find you will have the time to instead be more productive, which is what will move you forward to a more successful life.

*5.Focus on making small, continuous improvements*

Let’s let Henry Ford handle this one: “Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small pieces.” Making small, attainable goals will, in turn, help you reach the bigger picture quicker and with much less stress.

*6.Maintain your health*

Studies show that you are at your best mental state and happiest when you take the time to take care of yourself.

*7.Learn from your mistakes*

Every mistake made is a lesson to be learned. The only true mistake you can make is choosing not to attain your goal because you are afraid of making a mistake. Stay positive and when the going gets tough, keep going!

*8.Be selective*

Know when it is okay to say no to something you simply don’t want to do, or that is not important. Keep your schedule open for activities that you value or that could lead to opportunities

*9.Choose the right people to spend your time with*

Surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded, focused individuals will enrich your life. Mind-set is contagious. Work together with these people to make a difference in everyone’s lives.

*10.Be original*

It’s hard to be a success in your field when you are following others and their ideas. Be a leader, create your own path, and believe in yourself to get you where you want to be. Believe in God who Created you with A greater Purpose.

Know Jesus and Make Him Known!