You’ve heard it said that you can never have “too much of a good thing.” However, too much of a good thing always cost us other things.
This is perhaps never more true than in relationships and especially in marriage and family. Here are 4 good things that can make a bad marriage.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
—Proverbs 14:12
1. Too Much Work.
We all have to work and often find fulfillment, respect, and success in our work and those are good things. But, when we continually place our work above our marriage and our spouse we are in danger of doing great damage to both. Prioritize your schedule for marriage and work accordingly.
2. Too Much Kids.
Yes, kids are a great blessing and a great burden all rolled into one! They require a lot of time and energy. But, when we spend too much time focused on our children we have little left for our spouse and marriage. One of the greatest things your children will be blessed by is how you love your spouse and love is spelled T.I.M.E…and they know it. Show them how to make time for the most important things in life by making time for your spouse. Date nights, couch time, long weekends away, scheduled time together all show your children how the two most important people in their lives love each other.
3. Too Much Self.
Friends and hobbies are good things and we need them. We also need to remember that too much time with friends, crafts, playing ball or video games, etc., leaves little time for your marriage. Be intentional about prioritizing your spouse and limiting these other things that are good for you but can eventually hurt your marriage.
4. Too Much Church.
Did I really say that? Yes, I did! I’ve seen it over and over in mentoring couples that were on fire for the Lord, or at least for the church, and neglected the most important relationship that God has given them…their marriage. Marriage, according to God’s Word, is the representation of Christ and His Bride, The Church. If we are not taking care to make our marriage the best it can, how will we show others what His Bride looks like?
Prioritize your marriage with your time, schedules, finances, and conversations. Your work, your children, yourself, your church, and ultimately His Church will be the better for it!
Grace Marriage Mission
Do any of these four good things hit close to home for you? Discuss what you will do to rearrange your time and priorities.
