God has done so much in our lives—things that He set in motion years and years ago. We married in 1997 and pursued the American dream - nice house, cars, money, materialism, approval from people, and all sorts of things the world has to offer. The world has very much to offer and we were right in the middle of it. Little did we both know that there was so much more! A life where God comes first and a teaching that backed that up. As a couple, God was on our list just not at the top of our list. We both put things above God but it seems that God has used these very things to get our attention - and we praise Him for that!
I, Angie, learned through this teaching, that I was very controlling of things, the household, and my husband. God revealed to me that I was very manipulative and always wanted my way. He soon showed me that I needed to line up under His authority, which would require me to line up under my husband’s authority. This was a real struggle for me because I did not want to submit to someone other than myself. I knew that God was showing me that I must learn how to understand and live as He had ordained things thousands of years ago. When I came to this understanding and realized that submission to my husband was submission to God and that this was very pleasing to Him, I relented and began to have a love for my husband like I had never known. I found that I enjoyed, for the first time in our marriage, serving my husband. This also started a love for God like never before. I soon started seeking out things that would please God. I noticed at this point, that all He wants from us it to pursue Him, seek Him out, and put into practice all of His laws, not just the ones that I choose to obey. Once applied to my life, God began to shower us with blessings and instilled in us a Godly marriage, among many other things.
I, Chris, learned so much as well! Even with the pride I had, I couldn't deny all the changes in Angie's life. It was amazing – the joy, the smiles, the real love she showed to everyone. Fascinated in the difference in her life, I found myself earnestly seeking what Angie seemed to have in her life. I thought to myself, why not? All I could see was joy, patience, kindness, peace - what I would later learn was these were all the fruits of God's Spirit. In this seeking, I watched what she was doing, how she was acting, things she was saying that allowed this happiness that she expressed. I eventually picked up the Bible and just started to read. Well, God starting showing me through His Word how my life should be lived - His way, not mine and His Glory, not mine. Along with a new found fascination with God's Word, I also found myself sharing with Angie, questioning things, getting excited about Scriptures together, learning together and fellowshipping with each other. I felt love in my life, true love. In this seeking and an inward look into my life and relationship with God, I noticed things I had been doing were shameful and these things convicted me. I later realized that God in His mercy was leading me down a patch of true repentance. I now make my focus daily on Jesus Christ and His life, the Author of our faith -in this is great peace! I learned how to have love for my wife – love like Christ loved the church. I feel I'm learning how to be a true disciple and please God by love and obedience. We both have learned, and continue to learn, by God's Word and this teaching that life God's way is the only way. We have much to be thankful for and we praise God for our marriage and life that his has allowed us to have. We can truly say that building each other up by serving God Almighty has been awesome for both of us - and this is all from God and for His Glory!