10-Day Marriage Seriesنموونە

Day 3: Changing the Focus of Your Marriage

"Surely, I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." (Psalms 51:5)

Humanistic and Christian psychologists differ significantly in how they view human nature. Secular psychologists see children as born "good," or at least "morally neutral." They believe children learn to do wrong from parental mistakes and a corrupt society.

As Christians, however, we know otherwise. Deep within our character is a self-will that is inborn, part of our genetic nature. We desire to control people, our circumstances, our environment—we want what we want, and we want it now. Adam and Eve demonstrated this when they ate the forbidden fruit. Toddlers stomp their little feet and throw temper tantrums. Husbands and wives illustrate the same willfulness when they argue about how to spend money—or about whether the toilet paper should roll from the front or the back. King David referred to this basic human nature when he wrote, "In sin did my mother conceive me."

Only Jesus Christ can help us deal with the depravity that leads us to be selfish, arrogant, and disobedient. He has promised to do for us what we are powerless to accomplish on our own.

Questions for Today . . .

• Do you agree that humans are born with a bent toward sin? Why or why not?
• Do you think selfishness is a problem in your marriage?
• How can you and your spouse encourage each other in this area?

Prayer . . .

Father, I admit my sinful and selfish ways to You. I ask for forgiveness and healing, and thank You for Your mercies. I need Your power to change. Amen.

(Excerpted from Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Couples. Used with permission.)

Related Resource . . .

The Bible tells us to "consider others more important than ourselves." This is especially crucial in marriage, where becoming complacent and selfish is easy. In this video, Brenen and Morgan Beeler explain how obeying this principle is beneficial because it involves two ingredients of respect.