Our core values should remain the same, this is why it is important to be equally yoked.
2 Corinthians 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
As long as we are both laying the foundation of our covenant on the light and righteousness of Jesus Christ, then any change should be making us more Christ-like. Every circumstance can be used to grow, mature, produce patience, strengthen and bring us closer together.
Romans 5:3-4
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Many circumstances can be challenging. The devil is waiting for our response. If we are not careful in maintaining our marriage, the enemy will come in and try to divide us.
Mark 3:25
And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
Once we are divided, he can knock us down. So the key to standing strong is making sure that we stay in unity. When there is disagreement, we must quickly come to a resolution that will keep peace for both involved.
Many arguments are challenged by the words “You’ve changed”. I guarantee that this does not happen overnight. Any change that occurs is brought on by a seed that has been planted, watered, and nourished. Change is good, as long as what is growing is beneficial for advancement of your purpose. It is crucial to include your spouse in this process, or they will feel left behind, confused, and rejected. They won’t be able to see the big picture if you don’t share the process with them.
So let’s take time to evaluate the fruit that our marriage is producing in this season of change.
Matthew 12:33
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
If our change is bringing good fruit, then it is coming from a good place. If it is bringing bad fruit or no fruit, then we must get rid of it.
Matthew 3:10
And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Luke 13:9
And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’”
We don’t want to waste time producing something that is counterproductive to our marriage and purpose. If we don’t take time to evaluate our growth and production, we might find ourselves in a strange place not realizing how we got there or what to do next.
We must embrace the blessing of change. God created seasons and times to guide us and grow us. There is a time for everything. Stay connected with your spouse so that you understand the time/season they are in and how it coincides with where God has you at that moment. In the end it will come to a beautiful display of good fruit and harvest. God makes everything beautiful in HIS TIME!
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
Father we thank You for change that means we are growing and living. Forgive us for resisting change and even resenting change in our spouse. Show us how to know when to shift by your Spirit. Keep us connected to the season of our spouse so that we can see the big picture and endure even the hard times. We want to be good trees that produce good fruit. Show us where we need to take the ax and cut roots of bad fruit. We want to be in unity with You and our spouse that You may make us beautiful in Your timing. Without You we can’t successfully achieve our purpose. We need You in everything that we do. Grow us. Mature us. Transform us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!