GODLY MARRIAGE
A godly marriage is one in which both husband and wife love and celebrate Christ in their hearts and relationship. In addition, both husband and wife seek daily to die to self and live for Christ. Personal agendas are submitted to God’s agenda as both spouses seek to be controlled by the Spirit of God rather than by their flesh. Neither partner clings to their “rights;” rather, they both realize that they are under the authority of God. Their unity is not based on likes and dislikes or other “compatibility” issues, but on the fact that God has joined them together. They seek harmony through “putting on the mind of Christ.”
When they are having problems, they first consider where they have been wrong. After they have confessed and repented of their area of responsibility, they prayerfully and lovingly seek to bring their partner to a right place before God. Both partners are willing to consider their sin, repent, and are ready to forgive the sins of their partner. They use their words to encourage each other in the faith. They are not critical or demeaning to each other in any way. Their primary goal for each other is that they reflect Christ and His love. This takes precedence above personal agendas for their partner. They consider it a privilege and responsibility to assist each other in their spiritual growth. They evaluate their love for each other based on 1 Corinthians 13.
They take time to build and grow their relationship. The marriage takes precedence over every other relationship (excluding their relationship with Christ), including kids and parents. They are loyal and faithful to each other and do not allow any person to come between them. They make their physical relationship a priority and are affectionate with each other and make love frequently and joyfully. They worship together, are faithful in church attendance, and read scripture and pray together regularly. They do not treat their faith as a private matter but share freely with each other.
Check it out in Scripture!
Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 13, Colossians 3, 1 Corinthians 7
GODLY PARENTING
Godly parents understand that kids are a blessing from the Lord. Children are not “owned” by parents; they really belong to the Lord. Parents realize they are stewards or shepherds in the life of their children to “raise them in the fear and admonition of theLord.” They take seriously the responsibility God has placed upon them by giving them children and they rely on His grace and power in their parenting. Parents of children who are believers realize that their children are also their brothers and sisters in Christ. Godly parents do not “Lord it over” their children but seek to serve them in ways that honor God. Godly parents are not abusive, demanding, or overbearing in any way, treating their children with gentleness, care, and concern.
They discipline their children in firm, consistent, appropriate, and grace-filled ways so
that their children might learn the fear of the Lord. Godly parents realize that “folly is
bound up in the hearts of their children” and that the discipline of the Lord alone will drive it from them. They are not harsh, as to embitter their child, or too lenient, as to not train them properly. Godly parents understand the sin of their own hearts as well as the sin bound up in the hearts of their children and they seek to address the “heart issues” of their children rather than merely trying to change their behavior. They parent from a desire to see their children honor God rather than according to their own agendas for their children.
Godly parents realize the importance of a strong marriage in raising children and
make their relationship with their spouses a priority. They do not allow their children to
be a dividing factor in their marriage in any way. Godly parents recognize that their
authority over their children is established by God and are comfortable in this role.
Godly parents point their children to the Word of God as truth to live by and seek to
immerse their children in the sweet fellowship of Christ. They teach their children about the Lord in both overt and subtle ways. They consider parenting a unique privilege and are joyful in the raising of their children.
Check it out in Scripture!
Proverbs 22:15, 1:8-9, 29:17, Ephesians 6:4,
Colossians 3:21, 1Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11-12
BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP
B iblical stewardship is centered in a reverence and love for God. People who seek to be godly stewards recognize that God is owner and giver of all blessings. While they are diligent to work hard and effectively in their lives, they acknowledge that all blessings are gifts from the Lord. Therefore all they seek to do with their resources is motivated by a desire to honor God for His generosity and kindness.
B iblical stewardship is exemplified by self-control. Godly stewards seek to develop honest spending habits that will keep them from accruing excessive debt. They seek to operate from a budget, and work diligently to refrain from purchases that would cause them to exceed their budget. They resist a mindset of entitlement, and are able to discern between what they “need” and what they want. They seek to find security in God instead of finding emotional or psychological security in acquiring material possessions.
B iblical stewards look to God during stressful times rather than participate in spending sprees in order to relieve tension. Biblical stewards do not measure themselves by what they may or may not have or own. Neither do they sinfully compare themselves to others. They acknowledge that doing so is engaging in empty, covetous, and idolatrous living. Biblical stewards also understand the temporal nature of material possessions, and that living for them is “chasing after the wind”.
B iblical stewardship requires contentment in God. People seeking to become Godly
stewards find contentment whether they have an abundance of wealth or are living in
poverty. They seek peace in God instead of in acquiring “things”. They understand that
without godly contentment even acquiring great wealth will not be satisfying. They display a heart of thanksgiving before God no matter their financial situation.
B iblical stewards are always mindful of the importance of loving God and others with their resources. They resist greedy tendencies, and exemplify their love for others not only in word but also in deed. They allocate within their budget moneys that will be used to facilitate the work of God’s kingdom whether it be giving to the local church, various ministries, or particular individuals. While they wisely save for the future, they do not hoard their money for fear of a “rainy day”. Biblical stewards find joy in giving to those in need, and recognize that they are storing up treasures in heaven through their love and generosity.
Check it out in Scripture!
Mark 7:23, Proverbs 16:8, Matthew 10:20, Colossians 3:5,
Genesis 2:2-6, I Timothy 6:17-19, James 3:14-16, I Corinthians 10:24, Philippians 4:11-13
