Articles
FAMILIES: Resisting Satan’s Attacks (cont.)
Marital Complications
Unfortunately, a disturbing trend seems to indicate dissatisfaction among many married
couples, even in the church. This trend is connected to the crazy schedules and distracted lives
described in the previous sections. While the children and their activities are important, parents
should be careful to keep their relationship strong so that the children can see what God intended
for marriage. The best gift parents can give to their children is the example of a good marriage.
Children need to see love and respect expressed between a husband and wife.
Marriage is not easy. Anyone who believed that before taking their vows was in for a
bumpy ride. God made it a beautiful thing, but like anything in this fallen world we live in,
marriage has its difficult moments. Couples and families need to constantly work on improving
their communication and conflict resolution skills. If not, they will find themselves agitated at
small irritations that will eventually become large issues. Paul said it best when he told husbands
to love their wives and wives to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33). That and the ability to
forgive and a refusal to keep a record of wrong (1 Corinthians 13:5) will go a long way in
helping keep marriages strong. ~Ben Hayes
A Personal Note: I hope you are taking advantage of the lessons being presented each
Wednesday evening. We were truly blessed with our speakers during the month of June as they
addressed the need for God in the home. As we continue through the months of July and August
we will continue to have opportunities to be enriched as we view the video series, “Have a New
Family by Friday”, by Dr. Kevin Leman.
Just hearing speakers or watching videos is not the “cure all” for marriage and family
problems. As mentioned this past Wednesday evening, we must critically and honestly examine
(2 Cor. 13:5) ourselves daily to insure that we are doing everything within our power to create
and keep our home relationships as the Lord would have them to be. The apostle Paul constantly
challenged to have relationships “...as to the Lord.” Maybe that would be the place to start for all
of us. Do we have a right relationship with Jesus, not only as our Savior, but also as our Lord!
~P. Mowrer
