Taming the lion within.

 I want to dive today into the balm of peace that you can offer your marriage, and the blessing of joy that will come when you lay down your arms.

Galatians 5:26  "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."  The King James Version says it this way, which you may recognize the spirit that has come up in you when a conflict ensues, "desiring vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another,"

This verse follows Paul's admonition to live such that your life bears the fruit of the Spirit of God in you.  He is cautioning us to quickly identify a spirit of division, that incites competition and jealousy among believers.  He specifically warns against:

    Vain glory, which can also be pride and vanity: A desire for empty praise and recognition, which can lead to a focus on self rather than on God, others, or bottom line, your call to be his help meet.  Tell me I'm not the only one that has struggled with transitioning to "married life", that does not come with all the praise for the unseen.  I have demanded recognition for all the big and little things I've done to contribute, from cleaning up after a meal, to laundry, to something I've said or money I've saved, or just because I'm really a delightful person, and in the least, or maybe most because; isn't it what men desire after, "beautiful?!" 

    Provoking one another: Inciting anger, resentment, or rivalry through actions or words.  Has there been a time that you really just wanted to hear him get frustrated with you or at you, or at least have a response to your frustration.  Especially those with a steady man, may have experienced silence, instead of a reply when your confrontation was with a combative spirit.  These silent men are not weak, but rather strong.  And it is only a reflection of our weakness that we would not restrain ourselves, trust God for outcomes, and shift the focus off our own desires.  For where do our anger and frustration often come from?  Is it really Godly, or is it because satan is whispering, "Did God really.... or Did God really bless this marraige, or Does God really see you?"

      Did he really give you this man?

      Does this man really love you?

    Is there a future for you with him?

    Will God really provide through him for all your needs- and your childrens'?

    ....on and on Satan will bring doubt in your man and in God's blessings and provisions for the marriage covenant you are to honor.  Tell Satan to go away, he's a liar, determined to "Steal, kill and destroy" your marriage!

Envying one another:  A feeling of resentment towards another's possessions, qualities, or successes.  Maybe it's because he still has a job outside the home where he gets praise and recognition.  Maybe it's because he gets to escape the screaming babies, whiny kids and messy house.  Maybe it's because he's maintained his physique or loses weight faster (learn what it'll take for you to get there, and realize your outward beauty will never catch his heart if you are a better woman).  Maybe it's because he can make conversation out of the "silliest nonsensical things, like sports, weather, fishing..." while your brain can't even hit those levels of "shallowness."  Maybe it's because "who does he think he is that he deserves... a nice car, maybe even a sports car or big truck"... On and on we can pick, when in truth what we need to be doing is admonishing him, validating his value.  He will in turn begin to treat you like a queen.

Galatians 5 is for all believers and how we interact with each other, why would it not apply to your marriage and how you treat your husband?  Why would you save your fruit for others?  Guess what, others' will be able to identify that though your fruit may look good on the outside, once cut open it is rotten.  It won't be long before you'll let something leak out: a complaint about your spouse, a sarcastic remark towards him, or a dishonoring action, that will also turn your "new friend" away.  Unless you have found a toxic circle.  Beware of wives who complain about their husbands, and children  Cancer is not contagious, but this kind of talk can spread quickly among a group of women, like a cancer.  You will become like those you spend the most time with.  Even if once a month with a grumbler is the extent of your social life, you are drinking poison.  Lift up your husband, and pray, and God will send you a fellow encourager.  

Paul, and I, encourage you, as a believer, to live in the Spirit, which produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  What if your living in the Spirit not only produces this fruit, but allows your husband to produce the same?  I would venture to say, that because you are "one", it will!