It’s 2018. Last year went by must faster than anticipated. I had big plans and lofty goals for 2017. Some of the plans were not executed, and some of the goals were not met. But, I would rather aim high than be content with mediocre. It is nearly impossible to attain higher things than we strive for. So, with this new year comes goals, new resolutions, and enthusiasm for a brighter future.
What goals are you setting this year? Some people set fitness goals. Other’s set financial goals. Some set business or educational goals. I would submit that the most important goals are the ones that involve relationships. Relationships are foundational to life. In fact, that’s what the Bible is all about—our relationship to God and then with others. Next to God, no other relationship is more important than the one with your spouse. What goals for your marriage will you set this year?
Seeing that it is a new year, it’s a great time to reflect upon your marriage and ask some important questions. Here are 5 to start with:
Is there sin in my life that I need to repent from?
This is a hard question to ask, but imperative. Sin (transgression of God’s law, 1 John 3:4) affects everyone around you. Unconfessed sin will hinder your growth, open the door for temptations, and keep you from having a great marriage.
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy,” Proverbs 28:13.
Does my marriage bring God glory?
Why did you get married? If you are a child of God, I hope that the answer is to give God glory. The Christian marriage is intended to bring Him glory in and through our witness here on earth.
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created,” Revelation 4:11.
Do I display God’s love?
Part of being a witness for God’s glory is showing the love of Christ to those around us. The greatest commandment of all is to love God and then others. Love is an act of the will. Am I daily displaying God’s unconditional love to my spouse?
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love,” 1 John 4:7-8.
Am I pointing others to God?
The Christian marriage has a purpose much higher than selfish pleasures. Is my spouse more like Christ because of me? Do my children want to have a godly marriage because of what they see? When the unsaved look at my marriage are they drawn to God and His glorious truths? Do they look at us and say, “I want what they have”?
“Let your light so shine before men,” Matthew 5:16.
Is there room for improvement?
Can I have a better marriage? Can I be closer to the Lord? Can I be a better pray warrior? Can my spouse and I do more together for the Kingdom of God? We have a saying in our family that “The biggest room in our home is the room for improvement.” What about you?
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 3:14.
The Eden Concept 