Guarding Your Marriage: 10 Ways Satan Tries to Destroy and How to Fight Back
In the journey of marriage, couples face numerous challenges. However, there's an often-overlooked adversary working behind the scenes, seeking to unravel the sacred bond. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 ways Satan aims to lead you to destroy your own marriage and how, armed with the power of prayer and commitment, you can fight back.
Selfishness: Satan's first tactic is promoting self-centeredness, causing spouses to neglect each other's needs and desires. Philippians 2:2 encourages us to be like-minded and to prioritize our partner's interests over our own. In marriage, losing oneself is a prerequisite for achieving unity and intimacy.
Lack of Communication: Satan thrives in the absence of open and honest communication. Proverbs 18:13 warns against answering before hearing, emphasizing the importance of understanding. Lack of communication leads to distance, misunderstandings, and arguments, hindering the growth of a healthy relationship.
Unforgiveness: Harboring grudges and refusing to forgive plays into Satan's hands. Ephesians 4:32 urges us to be kind and forgiving, as holding onto bitterness can lead to contempt, ultimately killing love. Communication and forgiveness are vital for progress and unity in marriage.
Failure to Prioritize Marriage: Satan wants external relationships or activities to take precedence over family. Genesis 2:24 emphasizes the importance of leaving one's family to be joined with a spouse, creating one flesh. Prioritizing external matters turns spouses into mere flatmates, eroding the purpose and aspiration in the relationship.
Materialism: Excessive focus on material possessions distracts from the true values of marriage. Matthew 6:24 warns against serving both God and material wealth. When materialism consumes conversations and becomes an idol, it leads to frustration and hinders the impartation of essential values to the next generation.
Lack of Gratitude: Satan wants spouses to focus on each other's shortcomings rather than being thankful for their qualities. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 emphasizes the importance of gratitude in relationships. Ungratefulness is a sign of spiritual backsliding, as spiritually mature individuals find joy in appreciating small things.
Neglect of Spiritual Connection: Satan aims to weaken the foundation of faith in marriage by neglecting spiritual connection. Ecclesiastes 4:12 highlights the strength in a threefold cord. Couples who cease praying and reading together often find themselves seeking counseling, as their spiritual bond dwindles.
Dishonesty: Encouraging deception and lies, Satan erodes trust between spouses. John 8:44 describes him as a liar and murderer. Lying in marriage acts as a gateway for the demonic, closing the door to God and setting the stage for destruction.
Anger and Resentment: Fueling anger and resentment poisons the home atmosphere. Ephesians 4:26 advises not letting anger linger, preventing it from providing a foothold for the devil. Uncontrolled anger can lead to irreparable damage, turning a simple disagreement into a profound issue.
Infidelity, Unfaithfulness, Adultery: Satan aims to lead spouses to actions that betray the sanctity of marriage vows. Hebrews 13:4 underscores the honor of marriage. Even entertaining thoughts of infidelity requires immediate action—seeking help, praying, fasting, and becoming accountable.
Recognizing Satan's tactics is the first step to safeguarding your marriage. Armed with the authority given by Jesus, couples can engage in serious prayer, fasting, confession, and repentance. This ongoing battle, fought together with Christ, is crucial to protect not only your marriage but also yourself and your children. Remember, we serve the God who raises the dead and hears every sincere heart cry.