Many will probably agree that when it comes to priorities, after our relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ, our relationship with our spouses is next in line. This is biblical and based on the order God has set. In the last few years I’ve heard and watched many couples talk about their struggles and triumphs during their journey to marriage. Some have made good and wise decisions. Others made bad decisions and choices, and the consequences were such that their relationship couldn’t recover. We often use the amount of time we devote to a relationship as a barometer for judging whether it will withstand the storms of life and stand the test of time as well. But the true barometer for measuring if our relationships will last is the amount of time we spend with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Master Jesus said in Luke 14:28-30(NLT), “28 But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’” Our Lord and Savior is talking about the cost of discipleship in this passage. Many of us have known individuals that have heard the message of the Gospel, and they have become very excited about it, but as time progresses their excitement dwindles. They expected their problems to go away and assumed salvation meant that their lives would be on easy street going forward. They didn’t arm themselves with the spiritual armor of God’s Word, so when the enemy attacked them, they became so offended that they left the faith. They took no responsibility for not preparing themselves spiritually by spending time with God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ warns that there is very definitely a cost to walking in his example and choosing to carry forth his mission. The cost is perhaps unique to every individual, but we must be diligent and committed as we face adversity. The Lord will hold us up and bring us through, but our faith must be unwavering.
Marriage is God’s institution, and it is very important to moving forward His agenda in the earth. Many have made the mistake of not holding marriage in the place of reverence that it deserves. Some have put more energy and investment in planning and holding the wedding ceremony than they do their relationships. And sometimes we’re not patient to receive God’s confirmation as to whether we’re in a situation that’s right for us.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18(MSG) says, “Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: “I’ll live in them, move into them; I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people. So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good,” says God. “Don’t link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself. I’ll be a Father to you; you’ll be sons and daughters to me.”
This passage should give us an indication of how important marital partnership is and even more so, it should inform us of the importance of allowing God to guide us every step of the way when it comes to our significant relationships. God doesn’t want us linking up with individuals that will try to pollute us or injure our relationship with Him.
Whether you’re in a marriage that is in trouble or you’re looking to partner in the near future, be wise when it comes to your faith and spiritual strength. The wisdom of Christ in Luke 14:28-30 tells us that it’s possible to begin building something without the spiritual maturity and strength to finish what we start. We’ve heard stories too often of marriages running out of steam before they gained solid footing on a firm foundation in Christ. Neither partner prepared themselves spiritually for the rough spots that are sure to come. Seek the Lord now and let Him teach you the lessons He knows you need to learn. He’ll help you build a firm foundation in your marriage so that when you finish, you will have built something strong enough to handle any storm.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
“Lay the Foundation, Build on It, and Finish It!” written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2020. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.