Raccoon1010
Well-Known Member
Good lesson @Wynona!I can testify that I know how to be selfish and hated serving in the past. I thought service was just a people-pleasing way of being manipulated.
When one Christian woman spoke about serving her husband in so many small ways, I said I just wasn't suited for that.
Since then, I've changed and allowed God to convict my heart of its selfishness through these verses:
Mark 10:43-45
King James Version
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Acts 20:35
King James Version
35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
More than communication, date nights, or seminars, selflessness is the key to a good marriage. When you aim to just get what you want and need in a marriage, the relationship suffers.
Selflessness means humbling yourself and being cheerful with your duties. Its aiming to make your husband's life easier and doing the things he likes.
When I focused on myself, I was miserable. It is way more fulfilling to go ahead and forget about yourself and serve your husband. To make a home sweet and wonderful to come back to. To fix meals and delight him in bed rather than deprive him. To be his peace by practicing contentment even when you don't get what you want. To keep things tidy. To wear what he likes and stay in shape for him. To be his crown that distinguishes him and gives him honor.
If you think that you'll be taken advantage of, keep an open mind. Your husband will likely be motivated to cherish you instead.
Along those lines of selfless devotion in service towards God and his body of children thru Christ our Lord, including family and friends, is investment and learning what others like, dislike, need, want and opening our eyes and ears to hear them.
And that can be difficult at times, especially when the yoke of service is heavy as in the case of parenting.
Getting away as married couples can be relieving I found. As you stated, date nights and other activities that are enjoyable and fun. Sometimes bringing the children along and group extended family events.
For those of us who have missing family along life's journeys, there are groups, Christian and Christian events, including church so we don't get lonely or feel we are alone in life. Visiting those that are lonely is a great way to provide loving service to the elderly, disabled, youth in need. Even inviting them to church, offering prayer and a scripture, or just helping them with life's needs.
Getting out of the walls of the home with loved ones can be a relief. I used to take my children to the park to play. Such things brings additional happiness into the family. The love grows when we invest time and effort to get to know and understand others and their unique needs.
Picking people apart and finding fault can easily become a temptation for anyone during the normal stress of family duties and even work duties.
The Lord has asked and required of me to always start my day with prayer and scripture reading if possible.
God will bring all things we are in need of thru the healing power of the Holy Ghost.
Cheers,
Devin, aka @Raccoon1010
Isaiah 40
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.