Marriages are Being Attacked. Fight Back!

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Marriage at the Core of Christianity

The health of marriages in the church directly impacts the strength of the entire congregation. As one pastor notes, "A church is only as strong as its weakest marriage." This profound truth highlights why marriage must remain a priority, not just for individual couples, but for the entire community of believers.

The War on Marriage

In recent decades, there's been a concerning shift in how marriage is viewed. Rather than asking "What can I give to this relationship?", many now approach marriage with a "What's in it for me?" mindset. This consumer mentality has crept into both marriages and churches, eroding the foundational principles that God established in the Garden of Eden.

Biblical Priority of Marriage

Marriage was God's first institution, established before the church itself. From Genesis to Revelation, marriage serves as a picture of Christ's relationship with His church. The covenant relationship between husband and wife mirrors the covenant God desires with every human being, making marriage our primary witness to the world.

Common Marriage Misconceptions

Many couples suffer from placing other priorities above their marriage relationship:

Men often prioritize careers over marriage
Women frequently put children before their spouse
Couples "exist" rather than thrive, settling for mediocrity
Partners seek fulfillment through getting rather than giving

Keys to a Thriving Marriage

Several core elements contribute to a healthy marriage:

Regular spiritual connection through prayer and devotions together
Open communication beyond surface-level interaction
Financial transparency and shared planning
Understanding emotional and physical intimacy
Maintaining unity through the Holy Spirit's work

The Power of Servanthood

True marital success comes when both partners focus on serving rather than being served. When husbands and wives prioritize meeting each other's needs, the relationship naturally flourishes. This mindset shift from "What can I get?" to "How can I serve?" transforms ordinary marriages into extraordinary ones.

Practical Steps for Growth

Couples can strengthen their marriage through:

Praying together regularly
Having face-to-face conversations without technology
Breaking bread together as a family
Setting aside dedicated couple time
Seeking help when needed before crisis hits
Maintaining spiritual unity

Hope for Struggling Marriages

Even marriages that have experienced serious problems can be restored through God's grace. Sometimes reconciled marriages develop even greater depth and passion than those that never faced major challenges. The key is remaining open to God's work of reconciliation and healing.

The Role of the Church

Churches must prioritize marriage ministry, providing:

Pre-marriage counseling
Ongoing marriage enrichment
Crisis intervention when needed
Regular teaching on biblical marriage principles
Support systems for couples at all stages

The health of marriages impacts everything - families, churches, and society at large. By returning to God's design for marriage and approaching it with a servant's heart, couples can experience the abundant life He intended for their relationship.