Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
My wife and I are celebrating 10 years of marriage this year, and man, has it been a ride. From the smiles and laughter of having 3 little boys to the tears of losing those we love, we’ve done it all together. It has been the most challenging and rewarding thing I’ve ever done, and God knows I’ve managed to make it harder than it has to be at times. My wife is one of the hardest-working and most caring people I’ve ever met; she makes sure everyone around her is well served and loved. I struggle in this area, to be honest, but she continually makes me better.
I’ve only been at this for 10 years, so by no means am I in any place to be handing out advice, but luckily for us, the Apostle Paul had a lot to say to the people of the church of Corinth. He goes through the importance of relationship and commitment between spouses, and right in the middle, he gives the most incredible advice.
“Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you. Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you—but if you get a chance to be free, take it. And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world. Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you.”
People have a propensity to change who they are for someone they are attracted to. From my view of the platform, I’ve seen some of the most fervent college students when it comes to worship stand with their arms folded and their mouths closed the second they bring a date to church. The most important thing we can do in any relationship is to be fully committed to Christ always and not withhold in how we display that commitment.
When we can find someone who loves Jesus just fine without us and honestly more than us, then we are on the right track. My wife doesn’t need her husband, who works at a church, in order for her to love Jesus. She knew and loved Him before me, and she remembers the first time they met. Never lose the memory of meeting Jesus for the first time. Cherish it, live there.
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.