One of Satan's chief tactics to
destroy marriages, families, churches and the community is to convince couples
that their mate is the enemy. He influences our thoughts with his lies, blowing
things out of proportion.
We overreact to what our spouse
says and/or does, and we drive a wedge between us with unbridled emotions and
thoughtless words. This small incision in the fabric of our relationship tears a
huge gap in our long term connection.
This breach grows wider when new
hurts are added. Disagreements and unresolved conflicts rend us apart -
physically, emotionally and mentally.
Losing respect for our mate, we mumble
insults under our breath, spend less and less time with each other, and
eventually publically humiliate one another with criticism and disparaging
remarks.
The devil uses today's culture and
morals and media to encourage this behavior and mental attitude. Rather than
relate to each other, we ignore each other or communicate with snide remarks
and unveiled criticism.
The feeling of love, which drew
us together wanes and eventually disappears. We fight incessantly or live in
deadly quiet, ignoring one another and living isolated lives with separate
bedrooms, opposing goals and differing viewpoints.
We may even decide to look
elsewhere for fulfillment, not realizing that we all come with baggage and that
none of us are perfect. We are all human with idiosyncrasies' that must be
forgiven and healed.
There is a real, and easy remedy
for this demonic masterplan. Total surrender to Christ in us will eliminate most
of the problems, walking by His Spirit's direction takes the anger out of our attitude
and behavior, and viewing our mate as our ally and best friend will help us see
each other in a new light.
Our respect for each other
steadily grows, we learn to appreciate our mate's strong points and to cherish
each other's place in our life. We learn to work together, to make mutually
acceptable decisions, and to prefer one another above our self-centered
lifestyle.
Prayer:
Father God, You promise to make
the crooked places straight (Isaiah 45:2) and to lead us in a level path
because of our enemies (Psalm 27:11). Satan and his scheme to destroy those
whom You join together (Mark 10:9), have no power when we shine Your light in
the dark recesses that he manufactures.
Teach us discernment and give us
Your wisdom in whom to marry and how to live together in harmony. Give us a
forgiving heart and help us to realize that we are just as flawed and broken as
our mate. Let us develop mercy and grace toward one another's foibles and help
us to love each other anyway.
Thought for the Day:
Giving rather than always
receiving becomes a way of life as we find mutual interests again, and plan
occasions to spend quality time together gazing into one another's smiling eyes
and caring about our mate's fears and goals, while we celebrate each other's
successes.
