In the message this past weekend, I taught on seven different building blocks that we can apply in both our marriages and families. The seven building blocks were given in an acrostic format to spell the word ETERNAL.  Here they are:

1. Exercise God’s Word

2. Talk to Each Other

3. Earnest Prayer

4. Respect

5. Nurture

6. Accountability

7. Love

Although these were given in a particular order, they may need to be applied to your marriage and family in a different order, but how do you know what that order is? Where do you begin? I want to give you some basic considerations so you can apply these truths and trust God’s Word for long lasting transformation.

First, start with you. It is always the easiest thing to do to hear some great points in a message and think, “Oh, I wish so and so were here to hear this. He/she really needs it!” I think we have all been there and done that, yet wishing that does not bring change to that individual nor to us. The bible tells us in several places the need to be self-introspective first (I Cor.11:31, II Cor. 13:5, Matt. 7:5). This is the right starting place.

Second, consider which building block ‘REALLY’ stood out to you; which one spoke your heart? Was it showing respect to your parents? Being accountable to your spouse and children? Talking to each other as opposed to going silent for long periods of time? Whichever building block seemed to be head and shoulders above the rest is the one God was speaking to you. Therefore, attention should be given to what God spoke to you about through meditating on the verses that were given, re-listening to that point in the message and taking notes and just simply asking God for His help in that specific area (Matthew 7:7). He spoke to you because He loves you and wants to bless you in your marriage and family.

Lastly, develop an action plan of change based on what God spoke to your heart. For example, if you have not been praying for your family and God spoke to about engaging in earnest prayer for them, you can plan on praying 15 minutes every night for your family. If the building block of accountability is what truly spoke to you, perhaps you decide to live in the open, answer questions with a right attitude and be willing to change if necessary. I hope these few examples are helpful to you in your pursuit of building a lasting marriage and family.

We would love to hear your thoughts regarding the message and how you are walking through what God spoke to you. You can leave your comments here or on Facebook. Blessings!

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