I grew up in a Christian family, so I knew the Ten Commandments even when I was a child. But when I was young, I never fully understood what the commandments really meant. I didn't think I could ever break the second commandment of having no other gods because I couldn't imagine serving anyone but God. However, after hearing a discussion from a religious leader, I realized I'd been wrong.

I realized certain priorities are often put before God. Doing so is breaking the second commandment. These points that can distract from serving God:

1. Cultural and family traditions

2. Career aspirations

3. Material possessions

4. Recreational activities

Hearing this discussion made me think about the priorities in my life, and which ones deserve the time and effort I put into them. However, I noticed that the same issues that Oaks indicated that could offend God could also be applied to strengthen my own marriage:

Cultural and family traditions

Family and culture influence our actions. We all have certain habits we learned both at home and in our society. However, not everything around us is for the best when it comes to a new family. Both you and your partner will bring components to a marriage from the past.

Your spouse's traditions may not seem acceptable based on how you were raised. Learn to communicate well and decide which traditions your family will keep. Sincerly communicate the reasons behind your decisions to avoid being offensive. Remember, both sides will have traditions that enrich and improve your family, and might even be passed on for generations.

Career aspirations

It is always good to set priorities and have ambition. Obtaining a higher education can help you get a better job and improve the lifestyle of your family. But if that's your aim, do not lose sight of your ultimate goal: helping your family.

Even a small change in perspective makes sacrificing your family for the short term into a long-term consequence. I have a friend who, in his eagerness to get a master's degree, neglected his family which resulted in divorce. The same principle applies to work: do not be more devoted to your boss than you are to your wife.

Material possessions

The more things you have, the more time and effort is required to care for and maintain these things. You will see that you can achieve full happiness living simply and frugally. The world today forces us to rush around, buying more and more. There is no end to the idea, "if I get this, then I will be happy". There will always be something new, faster or larger than we want to buy. Material possessions are not going to replace a quiet moment between you and your partner as you read a book, or chat about life. Don't trade being happyily married to one you love for the next big thing.

Recreational activities

Too many recreational activities (especially those without your partner!) take away from your precious time at home. Make recreational activities are suitable for the whole family, or spend time doing things with just you and your spouse.

Try doubling with another couple: go out to dinner, see a concert, visit a museum or gather at your home to chat and play games. Use recreational time outside your own home to enrich your relationship, instead of pulling you apart. Spending time together will also help to preserve harmony, good communication and respect within your home.

Marriage is a matter of priorities. Dedicate yourself to love your spouse with all your heart, soul, mind and strenght; she will do the same for you.

This is a translation of the original article "Tienes dioses ajenos en tu matriomonio". It has republished here with permission.

The post Do you have ‘other gods’ in your marriage? appeared first on FamilyToday.

Much has been said of the Seven Deadly Sins in religious dialogue. But do they really affect your marriage? Follow the links below for a discovery of eternal truths that can save your marriage.

1. Lust

Lust is characterized by excessive thoughts of a sexual nature, or uncontrollable, sickening sexual desire. Today there is much talk of sex addiction. Pornography, adultery, fornication or that same uncontrollable sexual desire can destroy your relationship. A healthy sexual relationship is vital in marriage. Make sure your partner is sexually satisfied so that, ultimately, he is not tempted to go out looking for sexual gratification somewhere else or by other means. If in your relationship you do not get enough sex, master your impulses and learn how to ask properly and prepare your partner so she feels the desire to be with you sharing those sacred and intimate moments. Chastity is the opposite of lust.

Be a lifeline: 4 ways to help your spouse overcome a pornography addiction

2. Sloth

Sloth is closely tied to its sister, indifference. A mind that is not busy doing something productive is a mind that does not function; it is somewhat ill or null and void. You should not treat your spouse with an attitude of indifference. Fulfill your home and work responsibilities with enthusiasm. When your spouse wants to tell you something, give her your full attention. Find out how she really feels, does she need something? Does she feel sick or hungry? Or does she want to chat or go for a walk? Avoid activities that are just for you, like playing videogames, or surfing the Internet. Your partner will surely also want to spend time with you after so many hours apart from the workday. Diligence is the opposite of sloth.

How to recognize a gaming addiction

3. Gluttony & Drunkenness

Gluttony and drunkenness is unnecessary or excessive consumption of food and harmful substances. Alcohol or drugs fall into this category. These practices are addictive and destructive. Alcohol, for example, can lead to acts of violence or other inappropriate behavior that will make you feel terribly ashamed later. None of these excesses will build your self-esteem, on the contrary, they will destroy it and you will lose your self-respect and sense of individual worth. Your spouse, who loves you, will suffer endless hours of loneliness and despair unable to fight a vice that seems invincible. Avoid any excesses, and completely avoid the use of any substance that causes dependency, because this will only lead you to a dead end. Temperance is the opposite of gluttony.

How to approach a problem drinker

4. Wrath

Wrath is also known as anger, rage or hatred. It is a feeling of impatience and intolerance. Do not be angry with your spouse, be patient. Keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes. Face life with a sense of humor and you will see that nothing is as bad as it seemed a moment ago. Learn to control your emotions. Practice meditation, read the Bible or other religious books that brings peace to your soul. Pray to your God, breathe deeply and take a few moments to cool your head when someone says something that irritates you or does something you don't like. Control your tongue. Don't say the first thing that comes to mind. Think carefully before you speak and never ever use violence against your spouse. Remember that violence can be physical, verbal or emotional. A good dose of patience, the virtue opposed to anger, will calm those raging impulses. Patience is the opposite of wrath.

Loving safely: How to cope with an angry spouse

5. Envy

Envy is a harmful emotion that feeds on and enjoys watching the suffering of others. It not only makes you want what someone else has, but also makes you want to deprive another person of what they have. In your relationship you should never belittle your spouse. Treat her as your equal. You must have empathy for her sorrows. You should try to make her happy. If you feel miserable for some reason, do not drag her into the abyss. Be happy for her accomplishments, even if it means you are out of the spotlight for a moment. Charity is the opposite of envy.

Understanding and applying charity

6. Greed

Greed is another sin of excess. Greed is the need to acquire material things. If you are the sole provider for your family, it does not mean that all the money is yours and only you can administer it and spend it. If you and your spouse work, do not keep track of individual profits. Put all the wages in a single bank account. This way you will not feel that one contributes more than the other. Do not obsess over making more and more money. You will never feel satisfied with how much you have saved, because you can never get enough of what you don't need. Spend, instead, more time with your spouse. Spend quality time together and enjoy the fruits of your labor. What good is it to gather and save goods and riches and never enjoy them? Generosity is the opposite of greed.

Get on the same financial page as your spouse

7. Pride

Pride is also known as the mother of all sins. Other synonyms are: arrogance, vanity, insolence and vainglory. It stems from enmity, as explained by the religious leader Ezra Taft Benson. A proud person will never apologize; in a marriage relationship that attitude becomes a deadly weapon. In a relationship where none, or just one of them, is humble enough to ask for forgiveness, with surety will not become a nest of happiness and bliss. Learn to be humble, to love and respect your partner. Control your ego and recognize the excellent abilities, gifts and talents of your spouse. Recognize her efforts to please you. Be a faithful friend and constant companion to the person you promised to spend the rest of your days with. Humility is the opposite of pride.

Gaining a happier marriage through humility and forgiveness

You can change!

Are you guilty of any sins in your relationship? If so, it is never too late to change one of the seven deadly sins for one of the seven virtues in marriage.

Translated from the original article, "Los 7 pecados capitales en el matrimonio" on Familias.com.

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