Red Flags: A 10 Day Devotional On RelationshipsSample

Day 5: Red Flags in Marriage #1

“Marriage may be the closest thing to Heaven or Hell that any of us will ever know on this earth.”  —Edwin Louis Cole

Let’s address the state of the union…of marriage, that is! If you have a healthy marriage, it’s one of the greatest blessings. If you have an unhealthy marriage, it’s one of the greatest burdens. God created us to have satisfying, thriving, purposeful marriages that push the Kingdom of God forward. In order to do so, we need to be aware of red flags that come up in our relationships, not so we can run away, but so we can work through them, so they grow secure and strong. 

Healthy marriages have healthy habits. Habits determine the outcome of your life. They’re required behaviors and repeated patterns. No marriage is just naturally great. A good, solid marriage takes intentional work from both husband and wife! 

In the best way possible, marriage sucks the selfishness out of us. If your marriage is amazing, has room for improvement, or is on the brink of disaster, I believe God can speak to every single one of us the next three days as we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand. Let’s look at the first three red flags in marriage to be aware of: 

1) You stop serving one another. 

2) One spouse wants to control everything all the time. 

3) Blaming one another becomes a regular response. 

Marriage was a part of God’s plan from the beginning. Without Eve, Adam was left lacking. Marriage shapes us more into the likeness of Christ, causes us to grow in every area of life, and fulfills the desires of our hearts for intimacy and community. In a Christ-centered marriage, we are fully known and fully loved…it’s a reflection of the unconditional love of God. 

If you see any of the red flags covered today in your marriage, it’s not a sign to run, give up, or hide, but rather a call to honesty and commitment. Have a conversation with your spouse about areas and ways you want to see your marriage grow. Bring it before God together in prayer. See a counselor if that’s needed to bring health and healing. With God, any broken piece can be redeemed and restored! 

Pray with me today: “Heavenly Father, I commit my marriage to you. Show us areas that we need to grow in, draw us closer to one another, and make us more like Jesus. I pray you would work in our hearts and help us to have a marriage that reflects your love to the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Watch the full message “State of the Union” here.