Today, marriage often feels like a battlefield, leaving many casualties in its wake. Global studies indicate that 60 percent of all marriages end in divorce, while another 20 percent can be classified as lifeless. This means that if you get married today, you only have a 20 percent chance of experiencing a fulfilling marriage. A significant reason for the failure of marriages is a lack of commitment. Many individuals seek marriage primarily for the benefits it offers, without a true commitment to the relationship.
Importance of commitment
Commitment is a decision to create a successful marriage that aligns with God’s intentions, regardless of the circumstances or whether you feel your spouse is contributing equally. Commitment requires you to uphold your vows and serves as a foundation for your lifestyle within marriage.
A successful marriage exists within the bounds of commitment; outside of it, failure is likely. This means that without a genuine commitment to your marriage, you are left with mere promises and hopes. Research shows that partners who are committed to their marriage are more effective at resolving problems and are more likely to enjoy a lasting and happy relationship. No marriage can thrive without commitment.
How to stay committed to your marriage
To commit to your marriage means you make your spouse the only person you cherish most for the rest of your life. You love your spouse unconditionally, and your marriage is more important to you than anything in life. It is also important to appreciate that commitment is more than words; action is the essence. You pursue actions that create positive results in your marriage. Realise that marriage is a covenant before God, a permanent agreement just like the covenant God makes with us. Marriage is also a vocation;
God calls you to serve Him through your actions towards your spouse. When you face challenges, do not turn away from the call of your Maker. Focus on your own growth and strive to be a positive change agent. If you want your marriage to be strong, nurture all aspects of your life first. When you improve yourself, you will attract the best outcomes in your life. Avoid playing the blame game; it takes both the problem and the solution out of your control, leading to difficulties in your marriage. Instead, concentrate on the good qualities in your spouse and recognise your own faults.
Each day, take a moment to appreciate something about your spouse and focus on what is praiseworthy. Keep in mind the purpose of marriage and actively pursue it. Make time for your spouse and provide them with support. Maintain an active sexual life and teach your children to be responsible individuals who contribute to themselves, their family, the church, society, and God. Play the roles that God has ordained for you. A man should be a leader, loving and honouring his wife, while a woman should be supportive and act as a helper.
Continuously engage in activities that strengthen your marriage, such as fostering mutual respect, effective communication, and a forgiving spirit. God is attentive to those who are fully committed to Him, and if He does not build your marriage, your efforts may be in vain. Therefore, it is important to seek God’s assistance in your relationship.
Studies show that couples who remain strong in their faith, pray regularly, read the Bible, and live according to God’s teachings can withstand life’s inevitable storms and have a significantly lower divorce rate than those who do not adhere to the Christian faith. Thus, embrace your cross each day and follow Jesus.
Build your marriage on the rock of commitment
In Matthew 7:23-27, Jesus illustrates a house built on sand. When the rains came down and the winds blew against it, the house collapsed with a great crash. In contrast, another house was built on rocks. When the winds struck, this house remained standing because it had a solid foundation.
God desires to bless us through the sacred institution of marriage, which comes with many wonderful benefits. The good news is that achieving a successful marriage relies more on commitment than on circumstances. Regardless of your situation, remove the word “divorce” from your vocabulary and replace it with “commitment.” The message is straightforward: if you want a successful marriage, build it on the solid foundation of commitment.
