Guys, It Matters Whom You Marry, Too

"Just as a woman must think carefully about a potential husband, you must be careful about a potential wife. Careful evaluation in a number of areas will save you a lifetime of frustration. Right now, you might think she’s pretty, or playful, or nice to you. It’s not enough. One pregnancy can alter a figure, responsibilities at home can reveal laziness, and a disagreement about money can turn her against you. The church in North America has many men who are hampered in their abilities and success because they were distracted by a pretty face who now seems to bring more trouble than bliss."

1.  It will impact your spiritual life
2.  It will impact your service in the church
3.  It will impact your reputation.
4.  It will impact your work life and finances
5.  It will impact your other relationships.
6.  It will impact your health.

To read this entire article go to The Christian Pundit.

 

The Mutual Duties Of Husbands And Wives Towards Each Other

"Selfish ungodly persons everywhere enter into all kinds of relationships with a desire of serving their ownselves, and gratifying their own flesh without knowing or caring what is required of them. Their desire is for the honour, profit, or pleasure their relationship will provide them but not for what God and man requires or expects from them. [Gen 2:18, Prov 18:22] Their mind is concerned only with what they shall have and not for what they shall be and do. [1]

They know what they want others to do for them, but do not care what their duty is to do for others. This is the way it is with too many husbands and wives.

We should be very concerned to know what the duties of our relationships are. And how we can please God in our relationships. Study and do your part, and God will certainly do his."

Read this excellent article in its entirety over at Your Sacred Calling.
There is so much that isn't discussed before two people get married and once they are married there is little discussion on how to REALLY stay married.  What does God say in His Word to married couples?

The Proverbs 31 Woman

My Dear Friends, do you wonder what it truly means to be a wife and mother? Well, don't look to the world you will NEVER find the true meaning. God's Word is very clear about what we should be doing. Now, when you read Proverbs 31, don't see all the things she does as a burden, see them as possibilities for you. She didn't become an excellent woman over night, it took her a life time. This Tuesday, my husband and I will celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary, and believe me I still have a LONG way to go before I become the excellent wife of Proverbs. Allow God to show you day-by-day how to become this beautiful woman that brings glory to Him and blesses her home.

An excellent wife, who can find? 
For her worth is far above jewels. 
 The heart of her husband trusts in her, 
And he will have no lack of gain. 
 She does him good and not evil 
All the days of her life. 
 She looks for wool and flax 
And works with her hands in delight. 
 She is like merchant ships; 
She brings her food from afar. 
 She rises also while it is still night 
And gives food to her household 
And portions to her maidens. 
 She considers a field and buys it; 
From her earnings she plants a vineyard. 
 She girds herself with strength 
And makes her arms strong. 
 She senses that her gain is good; 
Her lamp does not go out at night. 
 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, 
And her hands grasp the spindle. 
 She extends her hand to the poor, 
And she stretches out her hands to the needy. 
 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, 
For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 
 She makes coverings for herself; 
Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 
 Her husband is known in the gates, 
When he sits among the elders of the land. 
 She makes linen garments and sells them, 
And supplies belts to the tradesmen. 
 Strength and dignity are her clothing, 
And she smiles at the future. 
 She opens her mouth in wisdom, 
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 
 She looks well to the ways of her household, 
And does not eat the bread of idleness. 
 Her children rise up and bless her; 
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 
 “Many daughters have done nobly, 
But you excel them all.” 
 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, 
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 
 Give her the product of her hands, 
And let her works praise her in the gates.