Marriage Tip: Don’t Be A Spouse Pleaser
Yes, I know that this is strange advice and most likely contradicts the latest marriage book you read but it doesn’t work in the long run. Sure you can get great results in your marriage by always trying to please your spouse short-term but sooner or later you run out of steam especially when the gesture is not reciprocated to your satisfaction level. Pleasing your spouse ranks right up there with pleasing others which should not be the focus of your life.
What is wrong with pleasing your spouse or others? The standard for pleasing others is constantly changing and therefore is not a foundation upon which you can stand firm. However, going to the opposite point of view which is pleasing yourself is selfish and an equally troubling foundation for a marriage. Pleasing others elevates their feelings, beliefs, and standards as more important as your own. Pleasing yourself elevates your feelings, beliefs, and standards as more important than others. Neither is good.
There is only one to please, one to praise, one to worship, one to follow, one to hope, and one to love. God. His standard is unchanging, unwavering, and full of grace all at once. By setting your sights on pleasing God, you will naturally please others and yourself but not because one is elevated above the other. Rather, you will be more focused on His ways of grace, mercy, love, patience, kindness, order, and structure. This is the best foundation for your marriage.
Posted under: Marriage Writings from Christine
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