Catching the Foxes - The Seven Foxes
The Fox of Disappointment
Disappointments are bound to happen in life but how do you handle them in a marriage? Are feelings of disappointment a sign that love is beginning to fade? Are your frustrations based on selfish desire or true concern? Should you press the issue or leave it alone? And what do you do if your spouse seems disappointed in you? Try harder or pretend it’s not important? Subtle annoyances left unaddressed, accumulate and the Fox of Disappointment is keenly skilled at using them to navigate couples into divorce court. God wants to help you build a defense by catching a fox and learning the strategies needed to keep him out of your marriage.
The Fox of Jealousy
We live in a society that is highly dependent on sexual fulfillment. Because sex is viewed as a basic need the wandering eye is tolerated, leaving many marriages dangerously vulnerable to the enemy’s influence. He has managed to convince a majority of Christian couples that private compromises with sin are harmless despite overwhelming numbers of tragic marriage failures due to sexual immorality. Catching the Fox of Jealousy begins with a fierce moral inventory of the entertainment in your home as well a firm dedication to admit the truth and to remain in truth. It will save your marriage.
The Fox of Ignorance
Marriage should provide a canopy of security, acceptance and ultimate satisfaction. However, the practical side of the married life includes a normal ebb and flow of highs and lows. This is by God’s design. In fact, God purposed for marriage to bring out the worst in you! As Christians, we all want to be more like Jesus. Well, God uses your marriage experience as the primary tool to perfect his nature in you. The Fox of Ignorance is defeated by wisdom and revelation concerning God’s plan for married life that frees you to enjoy the journey.
The Fox of Neglect
No one wants to be left out – it’s a painful form of rejection. But God experiences neglect far more than anyone because we continually fail to appreciate the value of prayer. And even fewer can boast that they enjoy it! God longs to change our way of conversing with him. He wants to become a friend, the first one you turn to whenever there’s news to share. And He also wants to help you and your spouse build a strong defense by developing the discipline of daily prayer with one another. It’s a thrilling partnership that is guaranteed to change your marriage and family for the better.
The Fox of Discord
We do not relate to one another based on instinctive drives like the rest of the animal kingdom. Opinions, convictions and preferences make us human so conflict is bound to happen. But conflict does not have to be destructive. Catching the Fox of Discord is learning how to disagree without fighting. There’s so much to gain from disagreement when you learn to respect one another. God wants to play a major role in your decisions through the Power of Agreement. It will strengthen your union and it builds confidence in God’s direction for your family.
The Fox of Distraction
As Christians we all contribute to the testimony of Christ to the world. Sadly, our collective reputation is not very positive. We do not have a convincing message that Christ makes the difference, because our marriages hardly boast of victory, strength and love. Satan distracts us with pleasures and personal struggles, hardly aware of those who stand watching faith in action. We need to take a serious look at our influence and the responsibility we have to represent Christ to this world. This mindset will refuel your motivation to work at marriage.
The Fox of Strife
Life just gets busier and busier. And when the kids grow up and out it doesn’t stop. But God didn’t intend for us to live life on a high speed tread mill. We were created to be productive but most Americans have lifestyles that will self-destruct unless God’s plan for balance is pursued. Catching the Fox of Strife begins by prioritizing your schedule around what means the most to you - when to say ‘Yes’ and when to say ‘No” just gets easier. The process also involves developing an organizational plan to help you manage your lifestyle with an added bonus called Sabbath rest! It’s really better than awesome.