The foundation of any building is crucial to its stability. When you see an impressive structure, remember that it likely invested significantly in its foundation. Without a strong foundation, that investment is precarious and could lead to disaster. In a matter of months, a poorly supported building can begin to crumble.
The strength of a building’s foundation determines its ability to endure life’s challenges. A building with a solid foundation can withstand harsh conditions and stand the test of time. It will remain steadfast, providing security not just for the structure itself, but also for those who live within it. Conversely, if a foundation is carelessly constructed, its weaknesses will eventually be revealed. Rain, strong winds, and time will all wear it down. A building with weak roots is essentially an accident waiting to happen.
Investing in an extravagant mansion with a shaky foundation is a waste of money; it’s akin to throwing your resources away. Similarly, every marriage is built on a foundation that will be tested over time. A relationship built on a weak foundation is at risk of collapsing. A bond tied with a frail thread is bound to deteriorate.
A thriving marriage is like a flourishing plant, grounded by strong roots. When you see a couple whose marriage appears to be the best thing in their lives, remember that it all starts with a significant investment in their foundation. Anyone serious about building a great marriage understands that the secret lies in having a strong foundation.
Our churches are filled with joy every weekend as couples walk down the aisle, full of hope for a lasting union. Most people celebrate with them, and their trendy styles and striking sense of fashion ignite discussions on social media. Unfortunately, many of these smiles fade quickly.
Instead of leaving the altar with a “happily-ever-after” experience, many couples find themselves facing unexpected challenges. They often wonder if the priest truly mentioned “For better, for worse,” because all they seem to encounter is a “For bitter, for worse” reality. Their partners not only bring them disappointment but sometimes make their situation worse than before they entered marriage.
Expectations are shattered, and they feel shortchanged. To these couples, great marriages appear to be nothing more than a façade, making their reality feel like a nightmare. Ultimately, there is no secret to having a great marriage; it requires deliberate effort and a solid foundation.
The truth is, what works for others may not even work for you. Like success, you need to find what works particularly for you. However, regardless of what path you find, character can never be ignored. I have no idea of the formula for a successful marriage. No matter what that equation may be, however, character cannot ever be overlooked.
Character is the foundation on which every marriage sits ― good character. When you trace all the reasons for the overwhelming rates of divorces, most (if not all) come down to character. Character is integrity. It means honouring your vows. Character is what makes a man treat a woman as he would have had his sister treated. Character means resilience. It means love and respect. Character is tolerance. It is what will make one treat a holy matrimony as holy!
It is such an irony to see a generation that is serious about weddings have an equal measure of seriousness for divorce. Some products on the market today even have a longer shelf life than some marriages. Thanks to people who will spend a fortune building the mansion of their marriage [wedding], yet spend only a little on their character, the foundation.
Every flourishing marriage you see out there has an underlying secret of character. A couple cannot live under the same roof if they have not developed, for instance, the character of love and respect for each other, regardless of each other’s imperfections. You see, when it has all been said and done, the ties that bind a couple together are not whether their wedding was big or small. Character is the bond that binds them as a couple.
When couples-to-be pay attention to everything but character, they are only pre-signing their divorce documents. Character is the foundation. Good character is a strong foundation that can withstand all of life’s pressures.
Life will crumble every foundation of good looks or possessions. When heaven and earth have passed away, what will remain is that foundation of character.
Do great marriages still exist in this age? Do we still have, honestly, faithful spouses? Do we still have submissive married women living on earth? Yes, we do! Yes, there are! And… it always comes down to the foundation of character.
The days of a relationship built on a weak foundation are numbered. The center will never hold, no matter the circumstances. A marriage founded on lies will quickly become overrun with weeds of mistrust. Moreover, a relationship shaped by the desire to please others will devolve into a communal labor project, as you continuously try to satisfy society, often at the expense of your own happiness.
When you encounter a couple whose marriage has made them worse off, inquire about the foundation of their relationship. Similarly, if you find individuals who have negative views about marriage, investigate what the underlying foundation was. It often comes down to character, which may have been neglected in the name of love. Character is fundamental; it cannot be hidden any more than skin colour.
A good spouse is defined by their character, not their appearance. When you marry someone with good character, they become a source of prayer topics for growth and support. In contrast, marrying a partner with poor character may provide you with a constant prayer topic for the rest of your life. A good spouse acts as a prayer partner, while a bad one becomes a perpetual source of concern. Trust me, living under the same roof with a prayer topic for a lifetime is not something you would want. Ultimately, it is the foundation that truly matters.
If you ever overlook it, you just got signed on to #TeamForBitterForWorse. Cheers!
By: Kobina Ansah’s Shrine
