One Lady's List
by Dr. Gary Chapman

Spiritual intimacy is the dream of most Christian couples.    Yet this is often the least developed area of marriage.   

If you would like to stimulate growth, begin by making a wish list of the changes you would like to see.

Here's one lady's list: 

1.  I wish he would pray with me.  

2.  I wish he would take the lead in making sure we pray before each meal.  

3.  I wish he would read Bible stories to our daughter.  

4.  I wish he would discuss the pastor's sermon with me.  

5.  I wish he would discuss the Bible with me. 

6.  I wish he would go to Sunday school with me.  

What would your list say? Once you've made the list, pick one and ask yourself, "how could I encourage this in a non-condemning way?"   

If you don't come up with any ideas, ask the ladies in your Bible study group.  They'll have ideas.   

Now, try, and see what happens.  You don't have anything to lose.

Remember, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink, but if you can get him to lick the salt block, you can surely create a thirst. 

Article written by Dr. Gary Chapman.  Based on the book,  Now You're Speaking My Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. Published by Moody Publishing.  For a complete listing of Dr. Chapman's books and resources, click here.     

As significant as marriage was in Eden, the full meaning of marriage was not disclosed until the coming of Christ.   

When the Apostle Paul teached about marriage in Ephesians 5, he quotes Genesis 2:24 and draws back the curtain on this amazing truth: "This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church."   

This revelation explodes all human-centered explanations for marriage.  The relationship between a husband and a wife is meant to be a reflection of Christ's relationship with his church - a living parable of the supernatural union between Jesus and his Bride.

To grasp this staggering truth is both inspiring and sobering.  What a privilege!  What a responsibility!