By: Brian L. Fucuals
If there were a word that would adequately describe some marriages today, it would be 'pressure-filled'. Everyone has demands on us and are asking of our time, but none more important than our spouses. Many times we are drawn away by all the other influences, cares and necessities of life that absolutely demand our attention. However, it’s crucial to remember we must always remember that Covenant Ordered Relationships Endure. The C.O.R.E. that is your marriage must stay intact at all times, otherwise everything else suffers.
Joe was a successful manager who absolutely tolerated no weakness. Not from his employees, not from himself, and certainly not from his wife Brenda. Joe pushed himself really hard and he pushed Brenda even harder. This went on for some years until one day Joe came home from work and saw Brenda with a Dear John letter in her hand and her luggage at the front door. He was completely shocked; he couldn’t believe what was happening. Joe was absolutely broken. They talked, they went to counseling and soon reconciled. Joe found out an important marriage lesson about control and transference, before it was too late.
In Matt. 11:28 Jesus said. “Come unto me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” Joe received promotions at work but those promotions came with a high-pressured, stress-filled price, which he in turn transmitted to his wife and marriage. Does that sound like anybody you know? If it does tell them this: 1) Take a deep breathe, slow down and think about what’s really important. 2) Recognize the need to disconnect from outside influences. 3) Make a commitment not to bring work and other high-pressure demands into your marriage.
