Do Not Enter

“Do Not Enter” signs make me want to enter. I guess that is my rebellious side that sometimes pops up. Yet, I know these signs are there for a reason. For example, there could be something dangerous down that street or past the gate. I run a risk if I disobey the “do not enter” sign. Maybe someone posts that sign because they want privacy. They do not want anyone bothering them. If they want to interact with someone they will initiate the interaction. If I do not heed the sign, I am crossing a boundary that someone put in place.  

I think there are “do not enter” signs in marriage. Let’s look at two. First, I am married to Nancy and have been since I was 22. “Do not enter” signs need to surround my marriage. There are places I do not need to go because they are dangerous for my marriage. Flirting with another woman, looking at pornography, having a meal or coffee with a woman alone, and going to strip clubs are all “do not enters,” and there are many more. Those I listed are the ones I see guys go past all the time and they all lead to something that is very dangerous for your marriage. The bottom line is just do not go there. Violating the “do not enter” sign will never get you to an Awesome Marriage.

The second “do not enter” sign in marriage has to do with respecting your spouse. Let me give you a couple of examples. If you have been in an argument and your spouse needs time to think things through, give them the time. If your spouse says “not tonight, how about tomorrow,” respect their request. You get the idea. Listen to your spouse and respect what they ask of you. Do this for them and the odds are good that they will return the favor to you.

‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. ‘ EPHESIANS 5:25-27

Today’s Challenge: 

1. What are the “do not enter” signs you need to obey and/or respect in your marriage?

2. Dr. Kim listed some places men need to not enter. What are places that women need to not enter?

3. What are some ways that you show respect for each other?  

4. What are some other ways you can respect your spouse?

Going Deeper:

As you complete part one of this two-part plan, pick one thing you have learned to focus on for the next month.   

Resource: 

Too many marriages today are struggling to survive when God intended for them to thrive. Take a practical step toward building an awesome marriage by signing up for Dr. Kim’s One Thing email. Each day you will receive one practical thing you can do to grow your marriage. Sign up here: One Thing Email