We’ve heard this saying before in reference to politics, corporations, movements, and churches. But, this is not just an adage; it comes straight from scripture, and it applies to much more than hitting the bottom line.
We’re talking about your marriage.
The Bible wastes no time underlining the importance of being in relationship. This is evident a few pages into Genesis, and it is followed by the creation of man’s perfect counterpart—woman.
“The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” —Genesis 2:18
“So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.” —Genesis 2:21-22
If a covenant marriage is important enough to be introduced in the second chapter of a 1,189-chapter book of scripture, how much more important is our response to biblical guidance on how to steward that relationship? It’s highly important, and Proverbs provides one of the first steps to do it well.
If people perish without vision, then a marriage between two people is not exempt. To know how to have a successful marriage, it’s critical to know what you and your spouse are collectively working toward. It’s not enough to pursue having a “healthy marriage”—a status that holds different meanings for individuals. You must create a more specific vision. It’s the only way to work backward and know what it will take to see your marriage track in the right direction. A v ision determines goals, and goals determine tactical steps.
What is your vision? What is the proverbial banner that you and your spouse want to hang over your marriage, driving your choices and reactions individually and as a couple? Put simply, what do you want your marriage to look like? Answering these questions isn’t as complicated as it seems. It takes willingness and openness to talk with each other about your hopes for your marriage.
As a first step, set aside time with your spouse to answer this question together.
What do we want our marriage to look like?
Seco ndly, use your answer to decide three to four goals you have for your marriage for the next year. Consider making them tangible, so you and your spouse can celebrate when you accomplish them. Your goals should point toward the unified vision you created above.
Lastly, select three to four words from the following chart. Choose words you feel currently describe your marriage or family that you want to celebrate and honor. Or, choose words that align with your above goals, so you can keep them at the forefront of your minds and continue to prioritize and work toward them.
