Can You Still Stand at Attention

The Book of Ron Workbook

Nugget of Wisdom

Complacency will allow weeds to grow in your garden and choke out the vegetables.

First General Order

Before we begin, take a moment to pray for each other and for the class. Ask for guidance, humility, and understanding as you go through this lesson together.

Mission

Stand before each other and look into each other’s eyes. Hold hands if you choose. Stay present.

Apologize to each other for areas where you have become complacent. You do not need to list everything. Speak from your heart. Acknowledge where effort has faded and where you can do better.

When you are finished, remain together and discuss what you have just learned.

Questions

What did this exercise reveal to you about yourself?
What did you feel as your partner spoke?
Where have you seen complacency begin to take root in your relationship?
What areas require renewed effort and attention?
What is one immediate change you can make starting today?

Closing Prayer

Usually, I give you a single line to help guide your prayer for those who may not feel comfortable praying. But today, I am so moved, I am going to say the entire prayer. Feel free to pray your own, or simply reflect on these words.

Father, I come to you begging your forgiveness for my failures in my relationships. I ask that you continue to let me crucify myself and live totally through you. May your wisdom, grace, and mercy flow through me to her or whoever you have in my future as a fountain. May I be able to crucify my own selfish desires and put the other person’s first. Father, give us wisdom and grace and mercy. Give us in-depth wisdom and understanding and comprehension that can only come through your Holy Spirit. Protect everyone that is reading this book, Lord. Guide them, draw them closer together. Defeat Satan and his strongholds that tear marriages apart. Implement the procedures necessary to survive. Father, help us understand that no perfection exists and every marriage can grow stronger. In your Son’s name I praise you. Amen.

Mission for the Week

I’m going to show you the Marine Corps General Orders so you understand the structure, the clarity, and the seriousness behind them. From that, I’ve created General Orders for marriage using that same framework. After that, I’ll give you a very simple list as well. Some of you will want structure. Some of you will want simplicity. Both are acceptable.

This week, your mission is to sit down together and create your own General Orders for your marriage. These are not romantic ideas. These are commitments. In the Marine Corps, you raise your right hand and swear an oath to your country. In this case, you are making a covenant with each other and before God.

Pray as you do this. Ask for guidance. Ask for understanding. What you are creating is not casual—it is foundational.

Write them out. Put them where you will see them every day. In your Bible. On your mirror. In your car. Touch them. Read them. Live them.

I’m not asking you to memorize them like boot camp, but understand this—there is honor in knowing them. The words we say at a wedding are powerful, but living and speaking these commitments daily carries even greater weight.

Do not let them fade.

Marine Corps General Orders and General Orders for Marriage

Marine Corps General Order #1: To take charge of this post and all government property in view.

General Order of Marriage #1: To accept the responsibility of this relationship God has trusted me with.

Marine Corps General Order #2: To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

General Order of Marriage #2: To represent myself appropriately as God would have me do, to protect the integrity of this relationship.

Marine Corps General Order #3: To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

General Order of Marriage #3: To address anything that violates the covenants we have made before God.

Marine Corps General Order #4: To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.

General Order of Marriage #4: To communicate what matters so nothing important goes unspoken.

Marine Corps General Order #5: To quit my post only when properly relieved.

General Order of Marriage #5: To not walk away from my responsibilities in this relationship, but to remain present and committed until resolution is reached.

Marine Corps General Order #6: To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me all orders from the Commanding Officer, Officer of the Day, and officers and petty officers of the watch only.

General Order of Marriage #6: To receive, honor, and live by the guidance of God in this relationship, and to carry it forward in my words, actions, and decisions.

Marine Corps General Order #7: To talk to no one except in the line of duty.

General Order of Marriage #7: To guard my mind, my thoughts, and my tongue from any deception that Satan may place before me.

Marine Corps General Order #8: To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

General Order of Marriage #8: To address problems early before they grow into something greater.

Marine Corps General Order #9: To call the Corporal of the Guard in any case not covered by instructions.

General Order of Marriage #9: To seek guidance when needed and not try to handle everything on my own.

Marine Corps General Order #10: To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.

General Order of Marriage #10: To show honor and respect to my spouse in all things, both in private and in public.

Simple General Orders for Marriage (Example List)

I promise to say I love you each day.
I promise to kiss you each day.
I will not neglect holding your hand in public.
I will stand beside you in church so the world knows I am with you.
I will look you in the eyes and listen when you speak.
I will speak to you with kindness, even when I am frustrated.
I will pray for you and for our relationship.
I will encourage you and build you up.
I will make time for you, not just give you what is left over.
I will forgive quickly and not hold onto past mistakes.