5 resolutions that will improve marriages and other relationships

Common emotions that occupy our hearts when one year is ending and a new one is beginning are: longing for the things of old, or hoping for better things in the future. Most often, these ideas are based on what we want and only the things we can conjure up from our own, finite minds.

Wouldn’t you prefer to remember the old and look on to the new with the mind of infinite God, rather than be entrapped by the limitations of your own thoughts, dreams and aspirations? Especially for the most important relationship God has established on this earth—your marriage?

Marriage is the only relationship that God uses to express the holy union and beautiful love of Christ for His Body, the Church (every Christian). Don’t tarnish this glorious gift from God with your personal desires and thoughts. Rather, use your freedom in Christ to love, do good and bless your spouse without any regard for self-fulfillment.

“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such blemish.”
~Ephesians 5:24-27 (ESV)

Instead of making another list of New Year’s resolutions we may never keep, let's make realistic resolutions based on the One who can never fail; the Lord Jesus Christ!
  1. Resolve to be more grateful, loving and kind (Eph 4:32; Gal 6:9-10).
  2. Resolve to give without considering what you might receive in return (Luke 14:14).
  3. Resolve to offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God, rather than serving others only because it’s convenient for you (Rom 12:1-3).
  4. Resolve to consider others better than yourself and their needs above yours (Philippians 2:3-4).
  5. Resolve to daily recount all of God’s wondrous deeds, rather than focus on your trials or triumphs (Psalm 9:1-2; 2 Cor 10:5, 12:9-10).
All these are yours in Christ. So what are you waiting for? Take hold of it! (Philippians 3:12)

Happy 2012 everyone!

3 comments