M= Making Sacrifices {What am I saying "I do" to? M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E. Series}

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." –Philippians 2:3-4

So what is marriage really all about? CC’s Pieces is starting a new series entitled “What am I saying “I do” to?” and over the next few weeks, we’re going to closely examine what is really involved in M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E. As we break down each acronym, starting with the letter “M”, you’re going to get a very transparent look at what this marriage thing is all about that Empire, Real Housewives of Atlanta nor Scandal are telling you. Marriage is truly a gift and from my point of view, fun and rewarding. But having a rewarding marriage takes work…and making sacrifices.  What kind of sacrifices?

• Your very own body. It now belongs to you AND your husband.
• How you spend your time.
• Your spending habits.
• Your living arrangement/your space.
• You may be required to cook more.
• The way you dress or wear your hair. (Yes, your husband’s opinion matters!)
…and the list goes on.

{MY LESSON}
After Tristen Sutton​ and I got engaged, I went on a quest to get a true understanding of what marriage really was about. You see, so many of us get caught up in our own selfish desires that we really miss the true meaning of what we’re committing to. Marriage is about making sacrifices.

 

Perfect example: I’ve been wanting to put wood flooring upstairs in our home for a while now, and I had decided that I was going to get it done after receiving my bonus check. But Tristen, being the financially sound guy that he is, advised that though we have the money to do it now, we should wait until this economic lull passes. Now, some wives would have said, “This is my money, so I think I should be able to do what I want with it!” But I think it’s pretty obvious that this is the total opposite of sacrificing. Though I really, really, REALLY wanted to get the wood flooring done right then, I knew he was right and instead of getting into a big argument over it, I set aside my own desire for the sake of our marriage.

{PUT IT INTO ACTION}
Learning how to make sacrifices for your marriage is easier said than done for most of us, especially when by our very nature, we are selfish creatures. But if you desire to get married one day, consider this a BIG part of the package. I encourage you not to wait until you get married to learn how to start making sacrifices. Here are a few ways you can do so now:
1. Pray about it. I always start with this because I’ve found that I cannot change something on my own without God’s power.

2. Sacrificing = Discipline. Start with things like foregoing buying those $200 pair of shoes, and save it for a rainy day. Or donate the money towards a worthy cause that you support.

3. Take a 30 day challenge to do something kind for someone else every day. It can be something as simple as taking 3 minutes to call and check on someone you hadn’t spoken to in a while, or offering to help a co-worker who’s behind on their work.
4. Instead of you deciding on what weekend activity you and your significant other  will get into, let him decide. And even if you really don’t want to do it, do it for him…and without complaining!

Marriage takes work. But it’s made a lot easier when both husband and wife are committed to making sacrifices for the betterment of their marriage.

“M” = Making Sacrifices
{PLEASE SHARE!}

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PIECESOFCC?pnref=lhc
Instagram: http://instagram.com/suttonimpact_cc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cc_pieces
#CCsPieces #SayNotoDivorce #BlackMarriageMatters #BlackMarriageRocks #Marriageisaministry