There are few things more terrifying than to be startled out of a deep sleep because of an intruder in your home. For this reason, most of us lock our windows and doors, have guard dogs, keep outside lights on, or install alarm systems. It is no different for your marriage. Many Christian husbands and wives are suddenly awakened to find their marriages falling apart due to a lapse of protection. Use the following tips to fortify your marriage:
Protection Tip #1) Get outside lighting
“Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12).
Light exposes everything hidden in the darkness. When husbands and wives submit to Christ, the light of truth illuminates their hearts towards to God and each other so the darkness has no place to hide. Let the light of Jesus shine through your hearts towards each other.
Protection Tip #2) Secure outside doors and windows
“We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end” (Hebrews 6:11).
Diligent people take the time to secure their home. Hard-working and tenacious couples keep their marriage strong by resisting a lax attitude in their relationship by spending time together, communicating, and meeting each other’s needs first. Resist the urge to take your partner for granted.
Protection Tip #3) Install a good alarm system
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).
An alarm provides early warning. The Holy Spirit raises the alarm of discernment when Christian couples are pulled away from spiritual disciplines of seeking the Lord through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Remain sensitive to the urgings of the Spirit regarding your marriage.
A good bark wards off many intruders.
Protection Tip #4) Get a watch dog
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
A good bark wards off many intruders. Christian couples who pray, speak, and live out God’s word develop a strong defense in frustrating Satan’s attacks on their marriage and family. Studying the Bible together on a regular basis helps develop your greatest weapon against evil.
Protection Tip #5) Use discretion with visitors
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Not just anyone should walk into your home. Discerning couples use discretion with outsiders by asking the right questions. Does this person or people lead us closer or further from God? Closer or further from each other? Every person (including well-meaning family members) must take a step back when their presence threatens marital harmony.
Protection Tip #6) Start a neighborhood watch
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:7).
Great neighbors provide the extra eyes needed to keep watch. Christian couples who regularly fellowship with other believing couples strengthen each other in friendship, accountability, and mentoring. Being actively engaged in the body of Christ allows a couple to see beyond their own experiences to glean off the life lessons of the mature.
Protection Tip #7) Build a fence
“There are those who move boundary stones; they pasture flocks they have stolen” (Job 24:2).
Building a fence establishes a boundary. Proper lines should be drawn to maintain the sanctity and covenant of marriage to protect from unhealthy outside influences that cause conflict, separation, or anger. A good boundary keeps intimacy within a husband and wife relationship as well as preventing the invasion of worldly perversions.
Protection Tip #8) Have a plan in place
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).
Having a plan before a potential break-in can save lives. A wise married couple decides early on their strategy for protecting their marriage rather than waiting for a break in the relationship. A strong plan involves taking the time to ponder the future including finances, sickness and death.
Protection Tip #9) Remove excess clutter around home
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).
Keeping a home clutter free on the outside gives an intruder no place to hide. A believing husband and wife must deal with their sins to protect their marriage and resist the urge of avoidance in key issues. There are no “small” sins—every deed, word, or thought will be judged by God.
Protection Tip #10) Call for emergency help when needed
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise” (Proverbs 19:20).
In cases of an emergency, you made need someone trained to protect. Couple therapy or counseling sessions may be the emergency intervention for your marriage. It may be time to set aside pride and take up wisdom. Couples who desire their marriage to last are unafraid to seek outside help.
Is your marriage well protected?
Perhaps you feel that marital protection is overrated or a waste of time and energy. Anything worthwhile will cost time, energy, money, and effort. Marriage is the one institution established by God for a couple’s natural life no matter the continent, culture, or society. Your enemy, Satan, won’t stop looking for that unlocked door, open gate, or negligence in your marriage. It’s time for Christian couples to vigorously protect their marriage with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Have you read Crystal’s personal testimony? Read it here:
Resources – New International Version Bible, The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblca, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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