Sound the Alarm

"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position."

2 Peter 3:17

During this time of 'social distancing' and church being held in our home with just the two of us we did not step outside of our house all weekend except for that one time Dana decided to take the garbage out. I watched as he pulled the heavy bag out of the trash container, tied it up and proceeded toward the back door. He then unlocked the knob and deadbolt, pulled on the handle and opened the door being greeted with a deafening sound of our alarm system. Never once did either of us think about the security still being set.

When I came across this scripture passage and then our alarm sounded I thought of marriage signs and warnings and how we can be so blissful or busy or blind that we miss what is right in front of us that could be maintained more easily if we were taking proper precautions.

What a wonderful approach to staying centered in your marriage than to set up a security system. Bells ringing, sirens blaring, beeps bleating to let us know when we need to pay attention, take action, be alert.

I have had a few friends over the years who have gone through divorce and later after some self examination saw exactly where the cracks in their relationship began and how they continued to grow larger with every argument, selfish complaint, or disregard for the others feelings and emotions.

Balance and caution are biblical concepts that are hard to live out when we are not giving our one hundred percent. The culture we are in now undervalues marriage and gives in too easily sometimes, getting out or going our separate ways before an attempt of rescuing what could be something long lasting and precious if given the time, energy and commitment to see it through.

If we listen to Peter's warning in this verse to "be on your guard," we can protect our marriage and maintain balance.

~Never take our spouse for granted. Reach out in small ways each day to make your other half feel valued.

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

(Ps. 31:24)

~Live in the hope of eternity. Choose to live in the characteristics of Christ through faith, hope and love to each other.

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." (Ps. 1:3)

~Make sure you are spending quality time with your spouse and as often as possible.

"My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." (Prov. 3:1,2)

~Read and study the Bible together and pray with one another.

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)

~Worship and fellowship with other Christian couples.

"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."

(1 John 4:11)

What better way to fight for your marriage than to sharpen your tools with what God's Word has for us...it's all there in black and white. May we safeguard our marriage as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior and glorify Him in a healthy and lifelong union. Let's keep in close connection with our spouse so that we don't have to endure a jolting, ear splitting alarm going off to catch our attention, but walk hand in hand, confident of the love we have for each other.

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, Help us as we navigate the waters of busy lives and relationships to know what's most important to You. May we show love and respect for one another as we walk this path You placed us on. Show us where we fall short and give us what we stand in need of to always fight for 'us'. May our marriage glorify You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.