In our journey through life and love, we often find ourselves in battles – some worth fighting, others not so much. But what if we could shift our perspective and focus on the fights that truly matter? This is the heart of a powerful message that challenges us to reconsider how we approach our relationships, especially in marriage.
The core of this wisdom lies in a profound truth: our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our real battle is against unseen spiritual forces. This perspective shift is crucial, especially in marriage. It’s easy to see our spouse as the enemy when conflicts arise, but what if we could stand back-to-back instead of face-to-face? What if we could fight for each other rather than against each other?
This concept extends beyond just married couples. For singles, it’s a call to fight for your future, remembering that while marriage isn’t the end goal (Jesus is), your future is worth fighting for. For those struggling with same-sex attraction, it’s an encouragement not to give up on God’s best for your life.
So what are the fights worth fighting? Let’s explore three key areas:
1. The Fight for God’s Best
We’re called to pursue God’s best in our lives and relationships. This means moving beyond casual or contractual approaches to marriage and embracing a covenant mindset. A covenant says, “I am so deeply woven with you that if I were to tear away, I would literally be ripping my own flesh.” It’s a commitment that mirrors God’s relationship with us – unconditional, enduring, and deeply intimate.
2. The Fight to Focus on What Matters
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We’re encouraged to focus on three key areas:
a) The House of God: Make the local church a priority. It’s not just about attending, but about being connected, contributing, and seeing yourself as an integral part of the body of Christ.
b) Your Own House: Bring order to your home. This includes teaching your children, honoring the Sabbath, and creating an environment of peace and rest.
c) Your Temple: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. This might mean investing in a gym membership, eating healthier, or seeking counseling.
3. The Fight for Sexual Purity
The Apostle Paul urged the Ephesians not to let even a hint of sexual immorality exist among them. This fight involves proactive measures like sharing passwords with your spouse, living above reproach, and practicing intimacy often within marriage. It’s about using intimacy as a weapon against the enemy, not against each other.
For those who have experienced sexual abuse or trauma, there’s an acknowledgment of the difficulty this area can present in marriage. The encouragement is to seek help and not let past hurts steal the gift God intended for unity and strength in marriage.
Throughout this message, we’re reminded of the power of perspective. A fan fight that lasted three hours on the first night of marriage becomes a humorous story 21 years later. It’s a reminder that many of our conflicts are not worth the energy we pour into them.
For singles, there’s wisdom in becoming the kind of person your future spouse would want. This means practicing servanthood, making life about others, and becoming attractive not just physically, but through your love for the Lord and service to others.
The message also touches on the equality of roles in marriage and ministry. Women are not to be seen as less than or merely as a “rib” from man’s side. Instead, the imagery of the rib coming from the rib cage, protecting vital organs, speaks to the vital role women play in marriage and in the kingdom of God.
In all of this, we’re called to remember that what God blesses, Satan seeks to curse. This is why fighting for our marriages, our purity, and God’s best is so crucial. It’s not just about personal happiness, but about aligning ourselves with God’s design and purpose.
As we reflect on these truths, we’re invited to respond. For some, it might mean making peace with Jesus for the first time. For others, it could be a commitment to pursue God’s best in singleness or to stop fighting against a spouse and start fighting for them.
In conclusion, the fights worth fighting are those that align us more closely with God’s heart and purpose. They’re the battles that strengthen our relationships, deepen our faith, and lead us into the fullness of life that God intends for us. Whether single or married, young or old, we’re all called to this higher perspective – to fight not against each other, but for each other, standing back-to-back against the real enemy of our souls.
As we go forward, may we have the wisdom to discern the fights worth fighting and the courage to engage in them wholeheartedly. For in doing so, we not only strengthen our earthly relationships but also reflect the enduring, covenant love of our heavenly Father.