Marital Maintenance

“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:24-25 NIV

A good friend recently gave me a riding lawn mower that was in pretty good shape. At first glance, it appeared to be in good condition. But, as I tried to start it, I realized it needed a little TLC.

After changing the battery, I noticed it needed new belts and blades. After changing the belts and blades, I noticed more that needed attention - a new spark plug, an oil and filter change, new air filter, new fuel line and filter, and repair reverse drive and air in the tires.

After those repairs, which mostly were routine, yearly maintenance, it purred like a kitten (more like a tiger). I cut my lawn and had no problems.

At first glance, the mower looked fine. My friend had mentioned the repairs to me, but I still wanted to undertake the task. Why? Some people would say, “Its worthless, hopeless or useless.” Others may say, “Just get a new one and get rid of that old thing.” But I saw the value in keeping it. The repairs may have seemed time consuming and numerous, but I got a $1,200 mower for under $100. You can’t beat that. A little maintenance goes a long way and put that mower back to its purpose - mowing.

Marriage, while more complex than a riding lawn mower, requires routine maintenance as well. Some people will look at an imperfection in their marriage as a headache or useless to tackle. Others may have lost vision for their marriage - what it could be or even what it used to be.

That mower worked at one time. It could work again. The same is true for marriage. Paul tells wives to submit to their husbands as their husbands submit to Christ. Husbands should love their wives as Jesus loves the Church. That requires daily maintenance in a personal relationship with Christ.

While you may have issues or conflict in your marriage, remember this: there is nothing too big for God to repair. He’s in the business of reconciliation and restoration. Daily time with Him and submitting to His will for your life and marriage will get you back on purpose.

So when you are tempted to “scrap” your marriage or give up because of minor repairs, just remember that Christ gave himself for the church. Jesus wants you to have a marriage that is fruitful and joyful. He wants you to win in your marriage.

What needs attention in your marriage? What needs a tune-up? Are you giving your marriage over to Christ or the “dump”. Do you wish your relationship with your mate would thrive again? Then let Jesus, the Master Mechanic, help you with your Marital Maintenance.