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The TowneLaker - July 2008
Marriage Moments
by Bill Ratliff
What would you do if you wanted to make your marriage stronger? Would you lie to your mate repeatedly? Would you begin to spend lots of time away from each other? Would you reflect often with each other on the people you could have married? Would you try to keep your home as messy as possible? Would you try to get your children to side with you in arguments with your spouse? Would you become overly critical about your spouse’s appearance and your loved one’s way of doing things? Would you become extremely demanding about your needs in the relationship? Would you mercilessly tease your mate? Would you nag your mate about all the unfinished chores around the house?
Would you stop remembering and giving gifts on special occasions because you do not believe your spouse appreciates it? Would you stop expressing genuine appreciation when your mate gives you a gift? Would you set your expectations so high no one could possibly begin to meet them? Would you compare your mate to that parent he or she resembles most? Would you attempt to cut down or embarrass your spouse around other people? Would you become a demanding and selfish person? Would you accuse your spouse of unfaithfulness when you know for sure they have never been unfaithful? Would you become overly controlling of your spouse’s every move? The answer is that of course you wouldn’t do any of these if you wanted your marriage to grow stronger. Yet it seems many couples continue to practice relationship killers such as the ones mentioned.
The Bible provides great advice for making relationships stronger. In Colossians 3:8 & 9 we are told, “Put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds and put on the new.” DATE YOUR MATE #72 Work with your mate on a home improvement project. One couple I know is doing an entertainment room in their basement. They are extending the project over several months. They are detail-oriented without being nit-picky with each other. They are enjoying working together on this task. CAUTION! This idea is not for everybody.
William Ratliff is the Senior Pastor at Towne Lake Community Church. He is also a member of the Around Town/The TowneLaker’s Community Board. He can be reached at (678) 445-8766.
The TowneLaker
1025 Rose Creek Drive
Suite 340
Woodstock, GA 30189
