Create Structure
by Marilynn Chadwick
Once, while driving through Kentucky, I crossed over the state line and was greeted by this billboard: “Kentucky: Unbridled spirit.” That sounded appealing – especially right there in horse country.
But as I thought about it, unbridled – without restraint – didn’t sound like such a good thing. We humans work best with boundaries. Unbridled sounds too close to disorder.
Disorder can be a stealth enemy of families. This insight came from a friend who works in a fragile community. Pastor Ken, as he’s affectionately known, is the minister of a thriving inner-city church. He grew up one of four children born to a single mother in a poor neighborhood. Pastor Ken made his way out of poverty. But he felt called by God to return and help other families escape to a better life.
One day, Pastor Ken shared a surprising insight. “Do you know what families in poor neighborhoods need most?” he asked. Hmm. Education, jobs, health care, Jesus? “Structure,” he said emphatically. “If they don’t have structure, they don’t have anywhere to hang all the other lessons they learn.”
I’ve never forgotten Pastor Ken’s answer. If wars are won through discipline, strategy, and preparation, then they’re lost by disorder and lack of readiness. I’m reminded of the United States Coast Guard motto, Semper Paratus, which means “always ready.”
If I’m serious about honoring my husband and guarding our home, it makes sense to create order, routine, and structure. That’s how I can best make it a peaceful haven for our family. Structure helps keep us alert and “always ready.” Structure is vital to the strength of our homes and marriages.
Discover God’s path to a better marriage
A key to making your marriage the best it can be isn’t a secret. God commands spouses to give honor to one another – and blesses them for doing so!
David Chadwick and his wife, Marilynn, unpack the biblical meaning of honor in these two special books, Eight Great Ways to Honor Your Husband and Eight Great Ways to Honor Your Wife.
You’ll find humor, humility and a passion for Christ that will inspire you to love your spouse in new ways that:
- Reignite the “spark” you remember
- Deepen trust and the intimacy you long for
- Connect you to God’s original and joy-filled intent for marriage
Both books are our way of saying thanks for your gift below to help share Jesus and the life-changing new perspective He gives.
For more from Moments of Hope, visit us at MomentsofHope.org.
