I was recently watching a sitcom rerun in which the husband and wife were talking about something they wanted to do to get back at some friends of theirs. The wife tested the waters by saying something like, “We should not show up for their party – that would show them.” Not being sure how her husband would respond, she added, “But we couldn’t do that, could we?” She doesn’t want him to think that she is awful, so she sort of puts it out there, with a questions attached. He responds, “No we couldn’t. But wait a minute, really they deserve it, so maybe we could.” Now they are feeding off each other’s values – or lack thereof. So what influences and shapes you? Is it the values of your co-workers? What you see on the movie screen? Or perhaps the anger of your spouse?
Maybe there is a better influence. Author Dr. Tim Clinton recently reported that couples who read the Bible together are profoundly impacted. He says that “research shows that if you engage in [reading] Scripture at least four days each week, it will change your choices, your relationship with your spouse, and lowers the risk for infidelity by 60%.” I find that research to be powerful and encouraging. Think about it – if a medical journal reported on a new pill that when taken would have that kind of influence on your marriage, wouldn’t you be inclined to run out to Walgreens and get the prescription filled tonight? Most of us probably would. But what Dr. Clinton has shared is even easier – if we will make it a priority by carving out the time to do it.
In our desire to build a more solid foundation marriages, consider finding the time to engage in reading God’s Word together this week. Begin to build new patterns and see what might blossom.