When most couples return from their honeymoon their thoughts are seldom on spiritual matters. Before you know it all the new requirements have crowded out the most essential and that is the spiritual growth of the marriage. The Bible is still the greatest handbook on the “How To’s” of marriage. It will get you through the first year and carry you through as long as you both shall live. You should begin each day together with a verse of scripture and a prayer. It is more important than breakfast because it will feed you throughout the day. You should end each day with a verse of scripture and a prayer. It is more important than sex because it will satisfy you throughout the entire night.
A balanced marriage is like an equilateral triangle. One side is the sexual. One side is the sensual or emotional. The foundational side is the spiritual. A couple I once counseled had not been sexually intimate for several years yet was in church every Sunday. The husband shared that his wife had no desire for the sexual side of the triangle model and the sensual side was practically non- existent as well. In this case the spiritual foundation was one sided and as a result the marriage was under a great deal of strain to say the least. God told Adam and Eve to, “Be fruitful and multiply.” He did not say, “Be spiritual and subtract.” To deny the necessity of any side of the triangle is to create a polygon which is unbalanced.
After reading togetherI Samuel 1:19a, and Romans 14:19, discuss the triangle model of marriage with your spouse. Is there balance in each of the three sides?
This series of devotions relating to marriage are taken from, 44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage, by evangelist and pastor Dr. Jerry Drace. If you are interested in obtaining a copy, or copies of the entire book you may contact Dr. Drace at: jdeainc@juno.com.