marriage talk from Anthony & patrice martin

Have you ever attended a sporting event or witnessed a competition between two opposing teams and noticed how the teammates work together?  Both teams are on the field, working with their teammates by carrying out their pre-planned strategy to make a score.  In addition, you have the other teammates on the sidelines supporting those competing. Although they are not active on the field, they are still essential to the competition. They are shouting words of encouragement and applauding their teammate’s efforts. Similarly, your marriage needs positive reinforcement, support, and words of affirmation. The objective is victory, which involves working together and using your talents to ensure a successful outcome. 

A marriage is much like a team with individuals who differ in personality, different ways of thinking, varying levels of experience, and valuable skill sets. No two individuals are exactly alike. These qualities can be what contributes to the successful outcomes of your marriage. For example, when a player makes a winning score, he is lifted on the shoulders of his partners in celebration.  However, if his best is not enough to win, he is comforted with words of support and understanding. A team's unity hinges upon each member’s acceptance of the other’s qualities and efforts and willingness to work in concert with them toward the objective. Healthy communication (listening as much as speaking), humility, and accountability are practical essentials of a thriving marriage. 

The odds of winning and achieving your marital goals are greater when you work together. You are equal partners with different positions and need what each other brings to the relationship. Some differences may be more challenging to synchronize than others; therefore, godly character must be a continual practice.  When you both make these daily and intentional efforts, there will be successful outcomes in God’s will for your marriage. Try employing the attitude of a team by communicating, strategizing, and cheering one another on as you partner together in seeing your marriage increase year after year!