S)" 33 but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided..."
1 Corinthians 7:33-34b (NASB)
O) There are lots ideas about why Paul was such a proponent of single-living, but I really think it just comes down to the simplicity of this verse. There is quite a bit of truth to it, though, and it is a problem that I've seen with a lot of marriages within the church, as a matter of fact. This is the reason it is so vital that a marriage is growing in the Lord together. If the husband and wife are both growing and moving in the direction that God is calling them, then they'll never grow apart and they will be at peace with the ministry of the other (or their ministry together).
A) When Kristin and I moved to Redding, I had a terrible time trying to manage my time. I knew that it was a huge leap of faith and a struggle for Kristin to move when we did. Her passion for our ministry was not as strong as mine, so when there were difficulties, they were much harder for her to bear. I thank God that He gave me such a faithful wife, though, because she was willing to follow me, following God, even when she wasn't quite unhappy about it. Over the last year, or so, I've tried to focus more on ministering to her and not just with her. As I move forward into other ministries, it's important that I have my priorities well-defined. My relationship with God is not the same as my ministry for God. I know this, because preparing a sermon is not the same as studying the Bible for my own growth. Since my ministry is not the same as my relationship with Him, I need to ensure that I also separate them as I prioritze.
1. Relationship with God
2. Relationship with Kristin
3. Relationship with kids
4. Relationship with others (other family, ministry, friends, work, etc.)
P) Father, thank You for blessing me with such a faithful and longsuffering wife. Kristin, for who she is to me, is one of the biggest blessings of grace I have ever received from You. If for no other reasons, You should be glorified and praised for that. Holy Spirit, make me accutely aware of my marriage status. Help me to keenly sense when there is unrest in my marriage or when Kristin needs special attention and my direct ministry. Strengthen our relationship in You, together. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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