Most of us can recall what it was about your future spouse that attracted you to that person. It was thrilling (or I sure hope it was). We were so happy to be together, to do things together and to talk together. That romantic time together was exciting. Take a minute and recall for yourself those days of fantastic togetherness. We could not seem to do enough for each other. We were nice to each other, never critical of the other and never spoke harsh words to the other. Even though they had flaws, they were unimportant because that friendship covered any and all of them.
Then came marriage, intended to be a fantastic relationship of friendship. We can live happy ever after if both try. The reward for so doing is absolutely enormous. However, when we stop doing the things for each other, that which initially attracted us together slips away and marriages begin to crumble. When couples do not spend time together, and do things together and stop talking, the results cannot possibly be good.
Some of the major issues that arise are:

•    Who is in control. I believe it cannot be either the husband or the wife. It must be BOTH WORKING TOGETHER. That can be very difficult for individuals who are “in charge” kind of folks, but GET OVER IT in your marriage relationship. You must decide to work together and DO IT!
•    Another issue is money. I believe it is essential to live within your income and do not spend more than you make. Both have to agree to do so; no exceptions unless an emergency arises. Help is available for financial planning management.
•    Another issue is sex. It takes time and BOTH husband and wife must be equally gratified. If that’s not the case in your marriage, seek help NOW.
It is amazing how our Lord God has given us some basics on marriage of which a Christian cannot ignore without sinning. We are instructed in the follow areas:
•    Husbands are to love your wives just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Eph. 4:25
•    Husbands are to love their own wives as their own bodies. Eph. 4:28
•    Husbands live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life. I Pet. 3:7
•    Wives are to be subject to your own husbands as to the Lord. Eph. 4:22
•    Wives are to love their husbands. Titus 2:4
•    (Both husband and wife) are to be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Eph. 4:21
•    Let the husband fulfill his duty to his wife and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. I Cor. 7:3,4

I believe for successful marriages, we must work at it God’s way and not in arrogance and pride demand it to be my way. Surely we are not smarter at this subject than our Creator. Surrender to our Lord’s way TODAY and you will be happy and grateful you did so.