Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- May 24, 2012
“My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.” Proverbs 7:19-20
How do you deal with temptations when you travel? Conversely, what is your behavior when you are the spouse left back at home? Is your house a palace of peace, or a prison of confinement? Not only must the weary traveler be wary of wrong behavior, but so must the one left ‘holding down the fort’. Perhaps as a couple you craft together guidelines defining what you will and will not do while separated by travel.
Distance can grow the heart fonder and more faithful, or fire the flames of lust and infidelity. If you travel for your work you most likely are motivated to meet the needs of your family. However, every assignment is for a season; maybe it’s time to get off the road and reconnect with your child who is approaching the teen years, or be there more often for your spouse who is starved for extra emotional support. Just be willing to adjust.
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34
Moreover, do not drift into travel temptations that become divisive and deteriorate your marriage. One boundary may be to avoid bars, getting back to your room soon after work and dinner. A righteous routine on the road gets the right results. Make it a priority when at all possible to travel with another person of similar values. Be bold by becoming an influencer of integrity: good, clean fun without flirting with sin. On the other hand, your role in the marriage may be to support the children and manage the home daily. Take pride, not pity, during this season of unselfish service.
By God’s grace you are molding their minds to the things of Christ, influencing the culture with His Kingdom priorities. You are as valuable as the one out working to provide for the family; you are working to preserve the family. Stay occupied in prayer, bible study, their school, and being available for those who need you. Marriage is a team effort that sees outstanding results when you are both on the same page of love and obedience to Christ. Travel temptations are terminated on both ends through trust in the Lord, and trust in each other.
“He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” Psalm 22:8
Prayer: What behavior boundaries do I need to co-create with my spouse related to our time apart?
Related Readings: Numbers 5:11-15; Isaiah 46:6; Luke 12:39-46; 1 John 3:9
Post/Tweet this today: Wise boundaries bring effective accountability. #boundaries #accountability
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This is a strong devotion. Please pray that my husband will be convicted when he reads this and his heart will be opened up to the message that is in it.
Thank you for being the messenger that God has called you to be.
Thanks Wendy, we will pray for your husband.
Thank you Mr. Bailey for this message which touched on a recent time apart from my husband for an eight day job out of town.I always feel more vulnerable when I am away from home and it is so important to be watchful and alert to the attacks of the enemy when we are in unfamiliar surroundings and in our associations with other people.It is when I am vulnerable that Satan attacks and will pull me away from God without me realizing it.God bless you!