Watch your step! - Moments for couples

Matthew 26:41 "Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

How many marriages have been poisoned and even slain by our frequent failures to take seriously the serpents of temptation coiled in our pathways? One trouble is that many of us don't carefully watch for them. In fact, we may flirt with them, daring them to strike, as though we didn't realise their deadliness.

Someone once told me: "I'm grateful that early in marriage, my wife risked sharing with me a great temptation. Almost instantly the "snake" slithered away as we talked and prayed together."

Jesus knew that temptations would always be just a step away. That's why He counseled: "Watch your step." Are you watching yours?

Prayer: Consider yourself a "watchman on the wall" on behalf of your marriage and family, and pray that you will be personally alert in avoiding temptation.

Discuss: What recurring temptation have you faced recently that you need to tell your spouse about? What can your spouse do to help you?

To this we can say that the key to any relationship succeeding is communication, solid and clear communicate between you and your partner. I'm sure you have heard this before, but communication is key. If you or your partner are struggling with something, an issue in life which could potentially break your bond, the only way out is to talk and pray together.

Im ashamed at times to admit to myself that this simple rule would have saved my own relationship. If my partner and I had committed to pray and read together, then God would have been placed in the centre of our relationship. He would have been the foundation which we would eventually build our marriage on. We have often heard the phrase 'God centred' when referring to relationships.

It is key, essential, that you and your partner not only attend church together, but read and pray together. Open the doors of communication and do not be afraid to tell you partner things you think are embarassing or difficult. Remember, they are there to show you love. They won't judge you or humiliate you or make it much harder than it already is for you. Your partner will support you and guide you in the right direction, after all you are both there aiming for the same goal right?

OPEN UP AND DON'T BE ASHAMED!