The role of obedience in the acquisition of humility in the Christian life has two paths to salvation: and whichever path you choose; must be embraced with your whole being.
The married state and the monasticism both have their primary means of aiding in your salvation; of the acquisition of a humble and a contrite heart. Without attaining this there is no salvation.
Both roles, either marriage or monastic vocation are based on the destruction of self-will. In marriage both are changed with being obedient to one another.
The symbolism of the crowns used in the Orthodox marriage ceremony represent the crowns of martyrdom. Death to self. The ego is the enemy, like the tempting of Adam and Eve in the Garden; Satan uses the ego to keep us from communion with God.
When we are disobedient to our spouse God's grace departs from us.
When you argue with your spouse it is pride and self- will that rule; and you become the looser.
When you give yourself over to humble obedience grace abounds much!
Each day begin with the prayer; "Lord Jesus Christ help me to pass through this day without sin".
And throughout your day pray; "Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me a sinner".
Our fallen nature is all about "me" and the turning of our love towards ourselves; and not tod gave us the freedom of choice.
Choose wisely; choose eternal life with God. Amen
O God and one another.
God's grace abounds and is our ready helper.
Like Saint Paul; we can say that anything good we have done; is Christ in us.
Go heavenly King O comforter the Spirit of Truth who art in all places and fills all things. Our Treasure of all good things and Giver of life: come and dwell in us and cleanse us from every stain and save our souls; O gracious Lord.
All-Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord cleanse us from our sins. Master pardon our inequities. Holy God visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake.
Love,
Anthony