“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV)
The Stranger in Paradise
Eve had it all: A perfect garden. A God-given husband. Daily fellowship with her Creator.
Yet, she listened to a stranger.
The serpent had no history of kindness with her, no track record of protection, and no investment in her future. Yet she gave him her ear. That voice did three things that destroy marriages to this day:
- Planted Discontent: “Is God really looking out for you?”
- Promised “More”: “You will be like God…”
- Questioned Loyalty: “Maybe your leadership is limited… Maybe you deserve better.”
Modern Serpents
How many marriages today are suffering because of serpent-like voices?
- The single friend who mocks the concept of submission or sacrifice.
- The social media algorithm that promotes “Do You” culture over “Us” culture.
- The ex-lover who suddenly “checks in” just to see if you’re happy.
- The online stranger whose DMs slowly replace real connection with your spouse.
Disloyalty rarely starts in a hotel room; it starts in a conversation. It starts when we stop tending our own garden because we’ve been seduced by a voice that tells us the grass is greener elsewhere.
The Diaspora Lens: The Obi Cubana Example
Consider the Nigerian businessman Obi Cubana. He didn’t become great and then look for a “new” partner to match his status. His wife, Ebele, stood with him through the years of small beginnings.
Now in wealth, he celebrates, honours, and adores her – publicly and privately. And she honours him, not just with words, but with deep respect and presence. They remind us that true love is not about finding perfection; it’s about commitment, gratitude, and intentional loyalty.
🛡️ The Covenant Challenge
Action steps for your marriage today.
- The Garden Check: Name one “voice” (a person, a social media page, or a habit) that plants seeds of discontent in your marriage. Silence it this week.
- The Seed: Plant one intentional seed of loyalty today. Send your spouse a message right now that affirms a specific quality you admire in them.
- The Discussion: Ask each other: “Are there any external voices affecting how we see each other?”
🙏 A Prayer for Loyalty
Lord, thank You for the garden You’ve given us – our marriage. Forgive us for listening to voices that do not belong here. Teach us to honor one another in words, thoughts, and actions. Help us uproot discontent and plant trust, laughter, and loyalty. May our marriage reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.