Have you ever noticed that often little boys treat their moms just like daddy treats mom? Have you noticed that little girls often grow up to marry a man that treats her just like daddy treated her mom?
The scenarios are also reversed – how mom treats daddy is an example also. Children tend to live up or down to the standards we as parents set for them.
Children often view the relationship of their parents as normal. That very well may be their expectation of what marriage is all about. Between that and their overall home environment, they form conclusions about life. If they always have to fight and struggle about everything, they may not understand kindness.
Environment is not an excuse for bad behavior, but it does shape a person’s perceptions of the truth.
With that in mind, and you being the role model, what do your children expect from marriage? Maybe a better question is what did you expect from marriage?
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Ephesians 5:22-33
Check yourself. Based on Ephesians 5:22-33, if you are married, or thinking about getting married, are you fulfilling or will you fulfill your part of the equation? If you are still looking for that special someone, perhaps this can be your checklist for how they should love and treat you.
Not only is this the best way for you to have a happy marriage, but also it sets a great example for those little ones in your life. Remember, America’s children are watching.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
2 Timothy 1:9
Today’s challenge is to ask God to show you the application of Ephesians 5:22-33 in your life. Ask God to show you where you fall short. Pray for a better marriage, a future spouse for yourself, or a future spouse for your child.