Moments Together for Couples Sept 14
Ninan Verghese
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.
More than anyone else, I have determined that I will be accountable to my wife, Barbara.Marriage is a perfect arena for accountability. As you and your mate face continuing pressures and stress, it's best to handle life in duet, not solo. Two can always see more clearly than one. Your mate can detect blind spots that you may not be able to see.
Here are some areas where Barbara and I practice accountability in our marriage:
Schedules: We try to help each other make good decisions by monitoring each other's workload and schedule. When somebody invites me to speak somewhere, I say, "I can't give you an answer now. My wife and I have agreed that I don't take any speaking engagements without talking with her." And so we do talk about it, and Barbara helps me say no.
Money and values: We constantly check our personal values. What is really important to each of us? Why are we doing what we are doing? Where do we dare not lose?
Fidelity: Some years ago I led a Bible study that included several new Christians. During those studies, Barbara began to sense that one of the men was increasingly friendly toward her. At first she thought she was imagining things, so she kept it to herself. When she finally told me what was happening, I could see unmistakable relief spread across her face. What had been her personal secret quickly evaporated as we discussed her feelings together.
Fortunately, Barbara's admirer never tried going beyond being friendly. But looking back on that incident, we see that it was a test for both of us. It reaffirmed our commitment to each other as we stood together against a potential threat to our marriage.
Your spouse should be your number one accountability partner.
Prayer:
That God would use accountability to your mate to help you and your spouse grow closer to Christ and preserve your marriage.
Discuss: Do you feel free to be accountable to your mate? Why? Why not? If appropriate, discuss accountability with your spouse.
