Whether you’re single or married, this week’s episode will give you a vision for a marriage that goes the distance! If you are looking to refresh your marriage or lay a strong foundation before you’re married, Leslie continues her two-part series on Keeping Your Marriage Strong with two key practicals that will sow spiritual strength into your relationship.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Spiritual growth doesn’t just happen … whether it’s speaking of our individual walk with God or with our spouse. Rather, we must proactively seek after God and make spiritual growth a priority in our relationships. It is key to unite your hearts spiritually rather than emotionally when first cultivating a relationship. Building your foundation upon growing together spiritually is the best thing you can do when deepening a pre-marriage relationship, and it is also something that will need continual tending once you are married.
IDEAS TO CULTIVATE SPIRITUAL UNITY:
- Read the same Christian books
- Make time for spiritual growth together
- Spend purposeful time in the presence of God
- Replace mindless pastimes with prayer and studying Scripture
TWO PRINCIPLES TO KEEP YOUR MARRIAGE STRONG:
1. GROW TOGETHER
Planning this time may feel impossible, but growing spiritually with your spouse won’t happen unless you set aside purposeful time for it. Be creative with the time that you have. Listen to an audio book, slot regular time to get into God’s Word together, go through a particular book fo the Bible on your next road trip, set aside a date night to review what God has been teaching you. The key is consistency!
2. GO TOGETHER
Let time apart be the exception and not the rule for your marriage. Seek ways to grow spiritually together rather than heading out to retreats, vacations, conferences, etc. by yourself. Be wary of fostering a “me-time” attitude within your marriage and remember that what God has joined together we are not to let man separate. Aim to share significant moments and trips together and you will discover a sense of unity and likemindedness that both you and your family will reap the benefits of.
If your spouse is apathetic, don’t despair! Instead, continue to diligently pray that God will change his heart and give him the motivation and passion to lead you spiritually as a couple. Commit to loving, encouraging, praying, and setting a beautiful example of what a Christ-centered life looks like!
FINAL THOUGHTS
No matter where you’re at in your marriage, remember that God cares more about your spiritual likemindedness as a couple than even you do! Prayerfully consider what practical steps you can take this week to grow spiritually with your spouse and watch to see how it blesses your marriage and family as a result.
KEY SCRIPTURES
James 4:8
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Leslie will be exploring God’s vision for marriage and family at her upcoming retreat this fall. Learn more about the Marriage & Motherhood Retreat here. Early bird pricing lasts through September 30th and there are only 40 seats available for this retreat. We hope to see you there!
