EP
63
Helpmeet Nugget
Where Your Treasure Is
John & Matilda Joachim
·
January, 2026
Addiction is commonly defined as the inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behaviour, even when it leads to harmful consequences. While most people readily understand addiction in terms of substances, fewer recognise that behaviours can be just as addictive—and just as destructive.
Sadly, some husbands and wives become entangled in behavioural addictions that quietly erode their marital union, often without their conscious awareness. These addictions can take many forms.
Do you find yourself constantly glued to your phone instead of being emotionally present and available for meaningful, relationship-building conversations? Do you habitually value time spent at church, at work, or with friends more than time with your spouse and children? Do you take greater pleasure in activities that bring you personal comfort rather than those that nurture the well-being of your family? The examples are many.
Activities such as going to work and attending church are very necessary, but when they habitually take priority over one's spouse, they hinder a marriage from flourishing.
It is crucial to understand that a strong, healthy, and sustainable marriage does not happen automatically. It requires intentional effort, sacrifice, and consistent commitment.
You cannot refuse to pursue positive behavioural change and then be surprised when your marriage begins to struggle. Likewise, you cannot invest the bulk of your time, energy, and resources elsewhere and still expect to enjoy the rewards of a thriving marital relationship.
Scripture captures this truth succinctly:
Matthew 6:21 [MSG]
"The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being."
What you prioritise will inevitably determine what flourishes—and what fades—in your marriage.
In the end, it is worth remembering that you cannot keep your candle burning at both ends.
Sadly, some husbands and wives become entangled in behavioural addictions that quietly erode their marital union, often without their conscious awareness. These addictions can take many forms.
Do you find yourself constantly glued to your phone instead of being emotionally present and available for meaningful, relationship-building conversations? Do you habitually value time spent at church, at work, or with friends more than time with your spouse and children? Do you take greater pleasure in activities that bring you personal comfort rather than those that nurture the well-being of your family? The examples are many.
Activities such as going to work and attending church are very necessary, but when they habitually take priority over one's spouse, they hinder a marriage from flourishing.
It is crucial to understand that a strong, healthy, and sustainable marriage does not happen automatically. It requires intentional effort, sacrifice, and consistent commitment.
You cannot refuse to pursue positive behavioural change and then be surprised when your marriage begins to struggle. Likewise, you cannot invest the bulk of your time, energy, and resources elsewhere and still expect to enjoy the rewards of a thriving marital relationship.
Scripture captures this truth succinctly:
Matthew 6:21 [MSG]
"The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being."
What you prioritise will inevitably determine what flourishes—and what fades—in your marriage.
In the end, it is worth remembering that you cannot keep your candle burning at both ends.