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Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27
Many times in our ministry we’ve listened to couples contemplating how the 50/50 model works in marriage. While it may seem logical, it is not biblical. We are complete in Christ. We are without spot or wrinkle when presented to our Holy Savior as His bride. How can that be so if we’re only half a person in marriage?
The key to a long-lasting marriage is the extra mile. It means always giving 100% of what you can at the present time and striving to go a bit beyond.
Simply put, it looks like Christ.
What it looks like in our marriage is much different from what we’ve led ourselves to believe. If you’re a two income household and one of you suddenly becomes unemployed due to factors outside of your control, it doesn’t have to mean you are no longer giving 100%.
Instead, it will mean that your 100% will be directed in other areas. Most likely that will be in finding new employment. However, until you find a new place of employment, you give your all and then some to searching for it.
You can improve your skills, read educational material, and network with people in your preferred field. While you’re home you can give your all to finding ways to budget accordingly, keep up the home, invest time in your spouse and children.
No matter what the situation is, you give our all and then give a bit more. Where you lack, your spouse should pick up the slack. That is the secret to a successful marriage: each spouse giving 100% and then going the extra mile. No one partner should feel as though they have to do everything at all times. If you aren’t feeling well, do what you can and know your spouse will take care of the rest. One day, they will need the same from you.
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my marriage. The pressures and chores of a wife and mom never seem to end. The roles and responsibilities of a husband and father weigh heavily. Please help my spouse and me value and appreciate all the other does and may we always go the extra mile. Amen.
A Couple After God’s Own Heart by Jim and Elizabeth George teaches the secrets to a great marriage by learning from biblical couples. Get started by taking our fun free challenge HERE!
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In what areas have you not been giving your all? What can you do to go the extra mile in those areas?
The key to a long lasting marriage is the extra mile. It means always giving 100% of what you can at the present time and striving to go a bit beyond.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
We don’t know her name, so let’s call her “Mrs. Noah.” She spent her days loving her husband, Noah, raising their three sons, and caring for their home. Daily life was simple, until the call came from the Lord, “I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you” (Genesis 6:18).
When something difficult happens in your life, are you ever tempted to ask, “What good could come out of this?” The event looks like a disaster. It feels like a disaster. Therefore, we quickly conclude, it is a disaster! But God did not forget His people who were suffering in Babylon. And, my friend, He won’t forget you!
Too many times in the past I’ve told others “I’m fine” in order to hide my pain and sorrows from them. The truth is, my thoughts pulled me down so far that, in private, tears regularly streamed down my face. Are you constantly thinking negative thoughts? Being a woman after God’s own heart is all about “minding your mind.”