"Many waters cannot quench love" Song of Solomon 8:7 ESV
Quickly, we discover that the greatest threat to marriage is selfishness! There was a mother we know, who was trying to explain to her small son the benefits of unselfishness. She ended her little talk by saying, "We're in this world to help others." After thinking on this a bit, the boy asked, "Well then, what are the others here for?"
When two people put their own individual needs and wants first, they're on a collision course. Here are some examples of selfishness in marriage:
1. In-laws. It's a sign of selfishness and immaturity when you constantly harp about what your parents said, and how they did things. That is unfair to your spouse and it will hurt your relationship.
2. Pornography. The Psalmist writes, "I refuse to look at corrupting people and degrading things" (Psalm 101:3 TM). Pornography is as addictive as heroin, and untold numbers of marriages are shipwrecked by it. Not only does it leave individuals feeling ashamed, it can devastate a partner's self-worth.
3. Disagreements. Don't be like the woman who told her friend, "We've been married twenty years and never quarreled once. If a difference of opinion arises and I'm right, my husband gives in." Her friend asked, "And what if he is right?" Without hesitating she replied, "THAT never happened!" (Say what?!)
4. Prayerlessness. We've presented in other series, and research has shown that upwards of 90% of Christian couples don't read the Bible or pray together. Do you? If Christ is the most important thing in our lives, He should be the thing we most enjoy sharing.
When passion and physical beauty fade, our shared love for Christ will sustain us through the storms of life. So fight for your marriage!!
Blessings,
Bruce and Bridget
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