You must have the same attitude Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:5 NLT
Every marriage and home could have a team name. You know what I mean. Some could be The Warriors, some The Avengers. A good team name for your marriage and home could be The Responsibles.
One of the greatest ways for any couple to develop the marriage they desire and dream of is to intentionally choose to adopt the mindset that they are mutually responsible for the quality and direction of their marriage. Deciding to be The Responsibles means, first of all, that the couple must realize they have the power and the responsibility for creating the positive change they want to see in the relationship. Then, it helps each of them to keep from passing blame and judgment on the other. It also puts them firmly in place to determine needed progress and develop strength together.
Most importantly, people who choose mutually to have the same attitude of humble responsibility Jesus modeled are able to live on a basis of values and principles that guide the course of their relationship. The Holy Spirit daily empowers them to live out His attitude and His character. The fruit of the Spirit increasingly grows and develops in their lives as they accept responsibility and accountability for who they are in Jesus and in the marriage.
One person can never shoulder the weight alone for a marriage. Both are required to be responsible for the success of the state of the union. They individually and mutually evaluate where they are and where they want to go, and they individually and mutually take responsibility for going there.
As they continue to deepen their responsibility to King Jesus (that is what Christ Jesus means) and emulate His attitude, they will find elements of satisfaction available to them personally and mutually they didn’t realize could be. They take leaps away from negative patterns and actions, immersing themselves in a new kind of love and commitment.
The Merriman-Webster Dictionary says that to be responsible means to be a primary cause or motivator for a result. A responsible partner is reliable, dependable, and trustworthy, and understands the importance of meeting obligations and living up to promises. They are proactive in identifying and addressing problems and take steps to ensure that they do not cause harm or inconvenience to their partner. They decide to build the marriage Christ Jesus has in mind.
- Jesus, give us Your vision for our marriage. Help us be responsible with joy.