In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ ~ Ephesians 1:11-12.
Preamble:
One gets really sad to observe the evils that the devil does in many homes across the world today. It’s even more shocking but equally instructive to read that some menand women in the Bible also missed their glorious destinies because of diverse satanic ploys.
Looking closely at the lives and times ofSamson, Solomon, Lot’s Wife and Vashti, just to mention a few, one will clearly see examples of victims of unwholesome marital adventures, and people, who were otherwise destined for greatness, whose stories rather ended up as paradoxes of conquered conquerors.
The important question to raise at this point is, what really went awry and why was it easily so? Simple! Many of these people failed to regularly consult God's Opinion —the Word — in the decision-making processes of their marital unions. The Bible says, “Every purpose is established by counsel …” (Proverbs 20:18).
The grand purpose of God is that we all should live “to the praise of his glory” in all areas of our lives, including our family lives. But, our holy unions can be glorious and fulfilling only when God's primary purposes are fully tracked, clearly understood, truly internalized and lovingly embraced. God’s counsel cannot be ignored, sidelined or treated with levity if we hope to enjoy a glorious family life.
Quite unfortunately, many people, including some respected believers today, are quite ignorant of the activities of unseen forces organized by Satan to hinder their glorious accomplishments, testimonies, progress and eventual enthronement on earth. And this crass ignorance makes it possible for Satan to operate with an advantage over them (2 Corinthians 2:11).
The devil operates a tight network of organized demonic spirits with specialized areas of evil activities — family crises, bondages to sin, frustrations, lack, delays, delusion, disorientation, emasculation, confusion, gaslighting, etcetera.
These diabolical activities are skewed to result in unpalatable human experiences and work against our aspirations. They must be warded off by the right knowledge of God’s Word.
Basically, marriage is articulated in the Bible as a solemn, lifelong covenant relationship between a man (husband) and a woman (wife) under the watchful eye of the Almighty God (Genesis 2:21-25). Even though marriage is not an end in itself; notwithstanding, there are goals in marriage that go beyond the nuptial flights, the social status and the comfort of marital togetherness.
Christian couples are never to settle for an ordinary relationship; rather, they are to develop a glorious, fulfilling and kingdom-focused marriage plan. In togetherness, every couple is expected to glorify God, and pursue His purposes in the holy union to fulfill their destiny on earth.
Starting right, going great and finishing strong is God’s plan for every Christian home. Albeit, there should be a willing, working and winning together among couples that hope to fulfill destiny and experience glorious accomplishments in their marital relationships!
Steps That Secure God’s Glory In a Christian Family Life
The first right step that can secure God’s glory in your family life is to start working on it today, and you must start where you are. If you’re yet unmarried, please accept responsibility to clear your heart of self-opinions, greed and every idol to be able to access God’s perfect Will for your life.And if you’re already married, starting from where you are, begin to sincerely align your family with the will and purpose of God.
How will you describe your marriage relationship right now? Robust? Growing?Glorious? Wonderful? Exemplary? Energized? Fun-filled? Or, hopeful? Silent? Disconnected? Confused? Drifting? Stressful? Frustrating?
See, falling in love may have seemed effortless, but building your Christian marriage and keeping it strong requires work (Philippians 2:12-14). Work out the glory!
The next step that empowers a glorious Christian family life is to be determined to worship God and pray together. Worshipping God and praying together keep a family staying closer and soaring in glory together.
Set aside time each day to pray with your spouse in order to develop true intimacy with each other and with God. Attend Church and get involved together. Enjoy making Christian friends together and be involved together in areas of mutual interest, such as serving God in areas of your respective gifting in the Church.
Some of the best ways we can stir up love in one another and encourage good deeds is by remaining faithful to the Body of Christand meeting together regularly with otherbelievers (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Furthermore, couples that hope to enjoy glorious, fulfilling and stress-free Christian family relationships together must commit themselves to making important decisions together. Nonetheless, while doing this, you must also choose to side with God in all your decisions. This was the lethal mistake that Ananias and Sapphira made, for which they harvested a severe, irreversible and deadly end (Acts 5:1-10).
One of the greatest areas of strain in marital relationships is the sphere of finances. Openness is very essential here. Keeping secrets about your finances will naturally drive a wedge between you and your spouse eventually. To strengthen trust in the holy union, God-fearing couples must come to mutual decisions on how their finances are to be managed.
Meanwhile, the importance of laughing together in Christian families that hope to enjoy God’s glory together cannot be overstated. Happy people have somethings that keep them cheerful and happy: they have happy friends and spouses with whom they laugh together.
People say, laugh and the world laughs with you. Your happiness will affect your spouse, and their emotional state will equally influence your own.
The Bible says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). To ensure a rewarding socio-spiritual bonding in the home, make time for laughter and deep intimacy together, even when it seems like you don't have any moment to spare.
Medical science describes laughter as an endorphin-trigger, which helps to reduce certain stress hormones. Laughter also strengthens the immune system. Thus, laughter is a health-booster, and I have no doubt in my mind that a glorious destiny cannot be attained without good health.
Give no day for bad mood in your home. Laugh: even God does (Psalms 2:1-4). Count your blessings and thank God together for them, everyday (1Thessalonians 5:18).
Most importantly, keep God first in your family relationship. Yes, feel free to not let other people come between you and your spouse, no matter their positions! However, there is One Person you cannot do without in your home — God. Like Joshua, let Jesus Christ be Lord indeed over your family (Joshua 24:14-15).
Friends and brethren, please keep in mind that fulfilling glorious marital purposes requires committed efforts on your part.Happily, the rewards of the efforts are priceless and immeasurable.
Love is a choice, not just a feeling to learn! You must choose to love your spouse, everyday. Submission is also a Christian virtue that you can’t do without if you ever dreamt of a glorious family life. Choose these again and again (Ephesians 5:17-28).
Pay close attention to your home and to the spiritual development of your spouse. In particular, if you want your life’s assignment to outlive you, or you’re praying for durable legacies, you must pay prayerful attention to your children. May the glory of Godcontinue to illuminate you and your home. You won’t miss this, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!
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Archbishop Taiwo Akinola,
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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