Strategy and Secret: What Really Produces Growth?
A practical Christian study of “Strategy and Secret: What Really Produces Growth,” with clear application for faith, relationships, and everyday life.
Strategy and Secret
Play the original Excel Still More episode here without leaving the article.
Identify what matters
Today's episode will revolve around two more words the strategy and the secret. That second thing has done more for my marriage than anything else I could share with you, but it has to come on the heels of establishing the right kind of strategy.
Most importantly, in today's episode, you will begin to turn the focus away from self-examination and your growing faith, and you will begin to look at things in terms of we or our, assessing your growth and the improvement of your home by what the both of you are able to do together, by mutual progress.
See the obstacles
It can also be very dangerous when you decide that it's the two of you against the world no matter what. I remember a couple that I performed their wedding a handful of years ago, and one day one of them decided not to serve God or believe in God anymore.
And they pushed their parents away, and they've gone off into just a ridiculous life, and it truly is them against the world.
Move from intention to action
Maybe taking a walk, maybe going out to dinner, turning off the television, getting away from the kids, and just being together, looking into one another's eyes. And again, they can hardly ever, couples that are struggling can hardly ever even come up with the last time that they did that.
So, kind of like I'm doing with you, I give them this big spiel about self-evaluation and faithfulness and how you guys have to get back on the same side of the battle line and find out who the true enemy is and strategize.
Keep building
You might think when you hear quality time, is that just having a conversation, like turning off the TV and listening for 10 minutes? But it also includes setting aside time for just the two of you to do something kind for that person just because you care about them, setting aside real attention to show them that they are the most special person in the world to you, and yes, even making sure that the physical part of the relationship is constructive and enjoyable and special.
Hey, you are an ESM overachiever, so your assignment this week is to set aside quality time that in some way links to each of those three things something caring, something romantic, and something physical.
Take the idea with you.
- 01Where do I see the problem or opportunity described in “Strategy and Secret: What Really Produces Growth?” in my own life?
- 02What Scripture or spiritual principle in this study most needs my attention?
- 03What one specific change can I make this week to put this teaching into practice?
Prefer listening?
The original episode player is available near the top of this article, so you can listen without leaving the page.