A MARRIAGE WITH A MISSION
Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus.
Romans 16:3 (NLT)
Some married couples have a lot of similar interests and love doing the same things. Unfortunately, that is not our marriage. When people say opposites attract, they use us as an example. She likes yard work; I think it is a pain. She likes crocheting; I like golf. She is a homebody; I like adventure and travel. She thinks a wonderful Saturday is straightening and organizing the garage; I'd rather have a root canal. She likes movies with a story and drama; I like to see things blow up. Learning to navigate and celebrate these differences is one reason we love our Brookwood marriage classes like Re|Engage and Becoming Passionate Teammates.
Paul teaches us that being single can be a great blessing and help in serving God (1 Corinthians 7). If you are single, you're an important part of our church family. We love you, need you and need your spiritual gifts. If you are married, God wants to use you and your marriage in His work.
As different as we are, one thing that draws us together and has brought joy to our lives is having a marriage committed to mission and ministry. Have you noticed that every time Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned, they are mentioned as a couple? Paul calls them my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus.
They were all in for Christ together. They opened their home together, worked together and started churches together in Corinth, Ephesus and Rome. They both taught Scripture and doctrine to Apollos and both risked their lives for Paul and the Gospel (Romans 16:3-5).
While it's important to find fun things you and your spouse both enjoy, I have noticed that the strongest Christian marriages are those built on serving Christ together. Thank goodness this does not mean you must do everything together, even at church. You and your spouse have different spiritual gifts, personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Yet God wants to use you not just as individuals but as a team to serve and minister to others.
APPLICATION: In addition to asking God to bless your marriage, ask Him how He wants to use it. Discuss with your spouse how you might minister together as a couple, drawing on each other's strengths and gifts.
PRAYER: Lord, sometimes life and marriage can be difficult. I know my spouse and I are so different, but please show us ways we can work together and support one another to further Your Kingdom. Allow us to build a legacy as a couple. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?