Practical Skills

Titus 2:2 & 6

“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance… Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.”

The second way to prepare yourself for marriage and to be a godly husband is to get yourself ready for practical, everyday life. You don’t have to be “Mr. Fix It” to be a good, godly husband. However, it is a good idea to enter into a marriage with some practical skills under your belt. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes a “wife of noble character,” but it also mentions a few characteristics of a noble husband. He is someone who works hard and takes care of his own business. He isn’t lazy or dismissive but provides for his family and works diligently to be the best man he can be for his wife, family, and community.

So, how do you grow in your practical skills?

Develop Self-Control and Discipline

Self-control is a critical practical skill in both personal development and in fostering a healthy marital relationship. Learning to manage your emotions, reactions, and desires is foundational for effective communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making within a marriage. This self-control extends to various aspects of life, such as financial management, work ethic, and personal habits, all contributing to a stable and loving home environment. Developing discipline in daily routines sets a strong example and foundation for your family.

Enhance Communication Skills

Effective communication is vital in understanding and meeting the needs of your spouse. James 1:19 advises, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." Learning to actively listen without immediately reacting allows for better understanding and empathy in all your relationships. It’s important also to cultivate the skill of expressing your thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully. This will become beneficial in a marriage to ensure you’re both heard and understood.

Cultivate a Strong Work Ethic

A strong work ethic is not just about professional success but also about being diligent in taking care of household responsibilities and contributing to the mutual goals of the family. This includes being proactive in maintaining your home, managing finances wisely, and supporting your wife’s aspirations. A commitment to working hard out of love for your family honors God and creates a nurturing environment for both of you.

Growing in practical skills prepares you to be a godly husband who leads by example and provides for his family in more ways than one. It's about laying a solid, practical foundation for a marriage that is equipped to thrive in the face of life's challenges.