Q&A Home > M > Marriage I am not sure if I should live with two faces, one in the Church and another outside. My husband thinks that life has more to it than just God, Church, fasting, and prayers. However, to me that is life. I can't and refuse to have any kind of joy without God. Do you think that I am overdoing it spiritually? And if I am; how can I correct myself? "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear" (1 Peter 1-2).
In many psychology books, a chronological age is assigned to certain developmental stages with particular expectations: moral, cognitive, social, etc. However, spiritual development is a life-long journey; and foremost contingent upon one's environment and his/her will.
It is hoped that the message you are sending your husband is one of encouragement and not judgment. The disguise of two faces is hypocrisy, not Christianity, and is really not necessary. Attend Liturgy regularly as much as you can, and other spiritual encounters; embracing these opportunities with all your heart. Yet, do not neglect nor deny your husband's needs for your patience,
companionship, and understanding just to satisfy your own fervent spiritual growth. Make sure you do not compromise your fundamental Christian principles, practice virtues, while engaging your husband in some of his interests (1 Corinthians 13).
Your husband is the one person, whom you vowed before God, to honor and submit to. Persisting in doing that is in itself, a form of worship; because you are guarding God's honorable Sacrament. Fasting does not require mutual consent because it does not involve but oneself. On the other hand, abstaining from intimate relationships during the fast must be with mutual agreement, for in it you withhold from your husband, who may not be spiritually ready to yield his right (1 Corinthians 7:5).
| |