Training for Success in Marriage & Family

Guest: Chris Sherrod, Marriage and Family Director, Watermark Community Church, Dallas, TX

What is the “state of marriage” in America?

• Over the past 50 years, the marriage rate has dropped by almost 60%
• The number of women entering their first marriage between the ages of 40 and 59 has jumped 75% in 1990

Men, how can you be “successful” in your marriage and leading your family?

1. OYOG - Own Your Own Growth. Leading your family starts with your own spiritual growth and maturity! You can’t teach what you don’t know; you can’t pass on what you don’t have. Oxygen mask example - put yours on first! The fruit of godliness starts with the seed of godliness being planted in you first. If something is important, you make time for it; if it’s not important, you make excuses.
2. Leading means “encouraging faith in their heart.” You need to know what encourages faith in your wife and children. Leadership isn’t just a one-way street, you need to learn to ask questions…Jesus asked more questions than He answered!
3. Ephesians 5 concept - love, serve, and lead. God wants your dependence, not your performance. Love your wife unconditionally, as Christ loved the church (sacrificially). This is a daily opportunity! Take the initiative to “wash her with the Word” - whatever that looks like for you, look for opportunities to engage each other with the Word of God!
4. Great question to ask: “How can I be praying for you?”
5. Deut. 6 - “teach your children” from a Biblical perspective means to “sharpen them.” When can you do this? Find windows of opportunities - in the morning, at dinner, when you put them to bed, etc. Great resource for this is Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel Earley.
6. Create a place in your home that has your “Ebenezer stones of remembrance” - symbols of God’s goodness and provision in the history of your life and family - and go back and tell the stories of what God has done for you to your kids and grandkids (see Psalm 78).

T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

Huge thank you to Jared Wood for allowing T4M to use his music in our intro and outro selections.