[#Life] MarriageSample

Work Hard

Nowadays the words “work hard” or “hard work” put together scares us. We want to run away from anything that requires a little bit of effort, consistency or hard work. 

Why is that? Because we are living in a world where everything is momentary, disposable, and fast-fading. We are convinced that if something does not bring us instant joy, it is not worth it. Yet, the Bible teaches us the opposite. It teaches us to endure hardships, to work hard, to have faith and courage, to fight for what is right and what we believe in. God and His word lasts forever. They are not temporary or something that is good for now but in a few years will mean nothing. They do not change. They do not become obsolete or go out of fashion.

Hard work in a relationship adds value. Marriage was never supposed to be easy. Nothing in life worth having comes easily. Theodore Roosevelt said this about it: “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, [and] difficulty. . . I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” 

If something requires effort and hard work, it adds value to it. The more value it has for us, the more we will want to protect it. 

The Bible instructs us to be patient, to forgive, to protect and to trust those we love. We are not to be angry or selfish, but to be kind. All of this requires some effort from us. It is not the easiest thing in the world to be loving, forgiving and patient. It's hard work. However, when we see what we reap from sowing good things in our marriage, we are going to be more than willing to put up with all of the hard work and just do it.

Thought of the Day

Work hard in forgiving your spouse. Work hard in finding new ways to enjoy your life together. Work hard in breaking predictable patterns and having fun. Work hard in finding time every day to pray together and in encouraging each other. 

You will find that it is all worth it.

For more information regarding this devotional please follow this link:  https://houstonsfirst.org/message/marriage