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Marriage and Ministry

If the devil can derail or damage our marriage, he has put a damper on our ministry. Your marriage is your ministry! On Labor Day we celebrate the blessings and the necessity of work. I realize that a good marriage must be constantly worked at, tended to, and nurtured. It must be a ministry priority.

The great comedian and American icon Bob Hope lived to be over 100 years old. No doubt he took his own medicine – “A merry heart doeth good like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). The amazing thing to many people was that he was married to his wife Dolores for over 69 years.

Marriage is God’s idea not mans. God gives us scriptural principles for a happy healthy marriage. A marriage made in heaven. Let’s examine some of the blessings of marriage and areas we need to constantly work on.

First – COMPANIONSHIP. “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18-25). God knew that only a husband and wife could totally fulfill one another. Quality time together as husband wife must be guarded and prioritized – especially for those involved in any ministry.

Second – COMMUNICATION is a key. Women are usually more verbal. Men must learn to communicate properly. Listening is a big part in communication. Fellowshipping together with God is the most blessed part of a Christian marriage. Before the fall, God would regularly come down to walk and talk with Adam and Eve in the garden. (Genesis 3:8) The couple that prays together stays together.

Third – COMMITMENT. (Genesis 2:23-24) Without the determination of “’til death do us part” a marriage will not endure the struggles, trials, and temptations of life. (Matthew 19:1-11)

Fourth – a CONJUGAL relationship that is healthy and holy. (Genesis 2:24-25; I Corinthians 7:1-7)

Fifth – CONTROLLED by the spirit. (Ephesians 5:15-20; 4:31-32) Our effectiveness in ministry can be hindered by how we treat our spouse. (I Peter 3:7) Spirit empowered ministry is tested and refined in marriage.

Sixth – CHRIST must be Lord of our marriage and family. (Ephesians 5:21-23; Joshua 24:25) Someone once said, “If Christ is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.”

Our marriage is our ministry. God desires that we have a marriage made in heaven; a Spirit controlled marriage that will be a witness to the world around us. Pray for the marriages of those on the front- lines in ministry.

by: Cliff Sanders