Cultivate Your Relationship: A Review of "Cultivating a Healthy Marriage" by Tim Keller
Over the past few years, two main issues have been brought to me. Number one is people struggling with their faith. Number two is marriage.
Some people have issues in their current relationships. Others struggle because they haven’t found a spouse. A few are still in mourning, missing the person they spent so much time with.
Growing up on sitcoms and Disney movies, I had a vision that marriage was a struggle to find your “soul mate” and then, after a few challenges, you would live “happily ever after.” While that may work in a storybook, it rarely happens in real life.
For those married, the pressures of daily life – kids, finances, stress – can chip away at the connection we once felt. We may even fall into a comfortable, but unfulfilling, "roommate" routine.
But what if the biggest obstacle to a healthy marriage isn't external factors? What if it's ourselves?
This is the core message of Tim Keller's insightful podcast series, "Cultivating a Healthy Marriage." Keller, drawing from Ephesians 5, emphasizes the importance of building a strong friendship with your spouse.
This series is particularly valuable because it:
Challenges unrealistic expectations: Keller dispels the myth of the "soul mate" and happily-ever-after ending.
Focuses on character over looks: He encourages listeners to prioritize a spouse's character over superficial traits.
Promotes selflessness: Keller tackles the "unholy trinity" of self-centeredness: me, myself, and I.
Who can benefit from this podcast?
Married couples: Learn how to build a deeper friendship and overcome selfishness in your relationship.
Struggling couples: This series can be a lifeline, offering guidance to navigate troubled waters.
Singles: Gain valuable insights into choosing a partner and understanding God's purpose for your singleness.
Those grieving a spouse: While fresh grief may make it difficult to listen, the series can offer comfort and perspective later on.
The Takeaway
"Cultivating a Healthy Marriage" isn't just about marriage. It's about fostering healthy, fulfilling relationships, period.
Ready to listen?
Head over to https://marriage.gospelinlife.com/ to find the podcast and additional resources.
Remember, Jesus himself wasn't married, yet lived a life overflowing with joy. God's call doesn't hinge on marital status, but on deepening all our relationships.
Take charge of your relationships and listen to this transformative series!
With You,
Pastor Tim
