Building a strong marriage is no easy feat. It requires time, effort, and sacrifice from both partners. But let me tell you—it’s so worth it. When a couple works together to create a foundation rooted in love, faith, and shared purpose, the rewards are beyond anything you could imagine. Sandy and I can attest to this, and we want to share a few principles that have helped us build an inspired marriage.
1. Pursue God Daily—and Together
One of the most important things Sandy and I have learned is the power of pursuing God as a couple. This isn’t something we do sporadically or out of convenience; it’s a daily commitment. Every day, we spend time praying together, reading Scripture, and seeking God’s will for our lives and marriage.
Why is this so vital? Because when both partners align their hearts with God, their marriage becomes unshakable. A couple who seeks God together is united in a way that nothing else can replicate. The spiritual bond creates an unbreakable foundation that enables you to face life’s challenges with strength and grace.
Challenge: Start your day with a simple prayer together. It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate—just heartfelt. Watch how it shifts the atmosphere in your marriage.
2. Prioritize Your Spouse Above All Else
Here’s the hard truth: No human relationship should come before your spouse—not your job, your friends, or even your parents. Marriage is a sacred covenant between two people and God. If something is consistently pulling you away from your spouse, it’s time to re-evaluate its role in your life.
For us, this meant making intentional decisions to protect our relationship. If a job demanded so much from me that it strained our marriage, I’d find another one. Life is too short to sacrifice your marriage on the altar of temporary success. Our philosophy is simple: We live life together, as one.
3. Be Intentional, Not Lucky
People often tell us we’re lucky to have the marriage we do. Let me clear this up—it’s not luck. It’s intention. We work hard at our relationship every single day. We don’t just exist as a married couple; we are intentionally married.
This means we don’t take each other for granted. We plan date nights, we check in with each other emotionally, and we dream about our future. Every little action we take is a step toward keeping the fire alive in our marriage.
Key Thought: Luck may play a role in meeting the right person, but love that lasts is built on intention.
4. Fight Selfishness—It’s the Root of All Marital Problems
Every marriage problem stems from selfishness—sometimes on one side, but often on both. God calls us to move from being independently dependent to being interdependent. This means putting your spouse’s needs ahead of your own and serving each other selflessly.
When you focus on your spouse’s happiness and well-being, you’ll find that your own needs are met in the process. Selflessness doesn’t diminish your individuality; it strengthens your unity.
Reflection: Are there areas where selfishness might be creeping into your marriage? Pray about those areas and ask God to help you grow.
5. Find God’s Purpose for Your Marriage
One of the most transformative moments in our journey was realizing that our marriage has a God-given purpose. Marriage isn’t just about companionship—it’s about partnership in fulfilling God’s plans for your lives.
When you and your spouse start seeking God’s purpose together, amazing things happen. It could be serving in ministry, raising children to love God (even though I believe purpose goes beyond raising kids), or supporting your community. Whatever it is, pursuing a shared mission strengthens your bond and brings meaning to your marriage.
Practical Step: Sit down with your spouse and ask, “What do we think God’s purpose is for our marriage?” Start exploring this together.
6. The Work Is Worth It
Let’s be honest—marriage takes work. But as Sandy and I have discovered, the more you invest in your relationship, the easier and more joyful that work becomes. Over time, the foundation you’ve built together will bear fruit that far outweighs the effort you’ve put in.
God has incredible plans for your marriage. But here’s the catch: He’ll only do His part if you’re willing to do yours. The “grunt work,” as I call it, is on you. The beautiful thing is, as you grow in love and faith together, that work no longer feels like a burden. It becomes a joy.
The Invitation: Let God Lead
If you’re ready to take your marriage to the next level, it starts with inviting God into your relationship. Ask Him to guide you, give you patience, and reveal the purpose He has for your marriage. Commit to doing daily disciplines like praying and reading Scripture together.
Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts, and when you let Him lead, you’ll experience it as He intended—full of love, purpose, and joy. Don’t settle for an ordinary marriage. Step into an inspired marriage, and watch how God transforms your relationship.
Final Thought: Life is too short to live disconnected from the one you promised forever to. Build your marriage on the foundation of faith, and you’ll never regret it. The journey may not be easy, but it’s worth every step.
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Take the leap today. Invite God into your marriage and see what’s possible. You’ve got this!
Living a God-Inspired Marriage,
Chris
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