THE SECRET OF SUCCESS IN MARRIAGE (2)
Last week, I shared with you on the foundation for success in marriage. We looked at Jesus and His Words as the solid foundation upon which we should build a solid foundation for the success of our marriages.
This week, via the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be showing you how to Fulfil Your Marriage Responsibilities.
Marriage has responsibilities attached to it. Both the man and the woman must co-operate in fulfilling their responsibilities, so that the home can be successful. Negligence on the part of either party can affect the success of the home. Co-operation, therefore, is a necessity. The wife, for instance, should submit to her husband in the home, be chaste, respectful and pure in her conversation. She should keep her home, making it a conducive place for the Holy Spirit to dwell.
The man on the other hand, must play a leadership role in the home, provide for his family and train his children in the way of the Lord. In case one of the parties does not co-operate in fulfilling his/her own responsibilities, the other party should not use that as an excuse for negligence. The faithful party should fulfil his/her own part, live a life that speaks and then prayerfully seek guidance from God on how to go about carrying out other things!
However, as good as marriage is, there are covenant responsibilities that must be operated, in order for it to produce the desired result. The Word says: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19). There is good in marriage, but you must be willing and obedient to operate the covenant. My husband, Bishop David Oyedepo recently said, "A life without responsibilities is a liability." Furthermore, he said, "Responsibility is the price for greatness."
Responsibilities Of The Man:
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He is a Husband: He is the head of the home, the leader and not a dictator. He must lead spiritually, because God will hold him accountable, if anything goes wrong (Genesis 3:9). He must love his wife unconditionally as a brother, friend and as a lover sexually (Ephesians 5:25-29). He must honour his wife and not treat her as a lesser being, or a slave (1 Peter 3:7). He must dwell with her according to knowledge.
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He is a Father: The man has the responsibility of raising his children according to Biblical principles (Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:6-7), not by bullying and beating. Instead apply the rod of the Word of God, and as you mold them in the fear of the Lord, you are raising godly children, who will in turn call you blessed.
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He Provides For the Home: A French proverb says, "A father is a banker provided by nature." You are responsible for meeting the needs of your home. This is the responsibility of the man primarily; the woman is only your help meet. Never shift your responsibility for it is anti-covenant to do so. To shy away from this responsibility makes you worse than an infidel - an unbeliever (1Timothy 5:8). This shall not be your portion.
Responsibilities Of the Woman:
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She is a Wife: She has the power of influence, while her husband has the power of authority. She must be a positive influence. Her responsibility, however, as far as God is concerned is that of submission. She willingly allows herself to be ruled by her husband, obeying him in love (Ephesians 5:22-24). She must reverence him (Ephesians 5:33). She must cook to please him
She must dress to please him (be chaste) (1 Peter 3:2). She must love him (Titus 2:4; Proverbs.31:26). She must learn to go to God in prayer, rather than arguing.
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She is a mother: She must train her children spiritually, physically and bringing them up to become arrows in the hands of God. A mother's role in the life of a child is a non-transferable responsibility. Mothers, don't push your children to another person to train for you. Whatever means God gives you, use it to bring up your children. Prepare your children for life ahead; it is your covenant responsibility.
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She is a Home-Maker: She sees to the general welfare of the home; planning and managing resources provided (Titus 2:5). You are the home maker, not a house-help. You are to see to the welfare of every member of your household. This is your primary assignment, before your career or business.
Having outlined the responsibilities of the man and woman, there is need to ask God for His grace to be able to fulfil your own responsibilities. The grace of God can only be given when you are born again you. To access the grace to do this, you need to give your life to Jesus Christ. Are you ready to give your life to Christ? Please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today as a sinner. I believe You died for my sins and rose on the third day. Forgive me my sins. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today.
If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God's Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through:
E-mail: faithdavid@yahoo.com Tel. No: 234-1-7747546-8;
For more insight, these books authored by Pastor Faith Oyedepo are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all the Living Faith Churches, and other leading Christian bookstores:
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Single With A Difference,
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Marriage Covenant,
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Making Marriage Work,
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Building a Successful Family,
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The Effective Minister's Wife,
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Success in Marriage (Co-Authored with Bishop David Oyedepo)