Commitment
There are things in this world that make me sad. One of those things is broken marriages. I think too many people go into it wanting 2 things that do not work:
They want to remain independent in finances, major decisions, and all his or her free time.
They expect each day to be rainbows, violins, flowers, and fluffy unicorns.
Well, let’s talk about the first one. You are now in a committed relationship with another person. That means you include
them, even if just to say “hey, going out with friends tonight, ok?” You have a joint account and discuss major purchase. You discuss plans and respect each others time. Now, don’t get me wrong - you need things you do together and things you do apart. Do not lose ALL your independence, but be respectful to your partner you committed to.
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
Genesis 2:24 NIV
Now, my second point. Marriage is work. Marriage is compromise. I can tell you there have been times I didn’t LIKE my husband very much but ALWAYS gave him love and respect. There will be seasons when you are out of synch and when you disagree. Ask God for wisdom and guidance…. Remember He was there when you said “I do.”
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV
Finally, honor your love and commitment that brought you together in the first place. People don’t ‘fall out of love’ the energy of the relationship may ebb and flow - honor your commitment. People don’t ‘just get tired of’ or ‘bored with’ each other - honor your commitment. The melody and feelings of the relationship change, the nervous fluttering of a new relationship, the excitement of a wedding, the blessed exhaustion of children, the quiet of adult children, the peace of retirement - just as a few examples.
Honor your commitment, those marriage vows under God. Work through the hard times together. Don’t lose focus and don’t let the spirit of complacency or selfishness come between you. You are always stronger as a couple than alone.
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