Relationship GoalsSample

Christ-Centered

From Brandon and Christi, married over 23 years

Intentionally centering your relationship on Jesus is all-important. But how do you actually do that? Here’s what’s worked in our marriage.

Step 1: Decide and Commit

Have a conversation together to be sure you’re shooting for the same goal. Christ-centered means that your relationship is fully committed to Christ. Everything else is secondary. Try creating some belief statements that highlight how Christ will be at the center of your lives. “We have decided, as for us and this marriage, we will serve the Lord.” “We will trust the Lord.” “We will surrender to the Lord.” “We will follow the Lord.” 

Step 2: Individually Seek God

Seeking God as individuals is a requirement of having a Christ-centered relationship together. A.W. Tozer gave a great example of this. He said, "Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are in one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow." To be unified together with Christ at the center, we must tune ourselves to Christ—not to each other. When we take our relationship with God seriously, He brings the unity.

Step 3: Together Seek God

You should make time to connect spiritually every day as a couple. This is where it gets fun. In order to keep your focus on Him, there are several things you can do. Your relationship may be strong in prayer. You may serve at church or in your community together consistently. Whatever passion God has given you as a couple, go with it! 

For us, discussing God’s Word has become our most consistent and powerful spiritual connection. The Bible App offers Plans with Friends and we work on a plan together every day. It’s amazing to discuss what God is showing us individually and where He is leading us together. 

When Christ is at the center of your relationship, He will do more than you could hope to accomplish on your own, even on your best day. So, take a step to put Him first. 

Do: Use this simple guide from Pastor Craig and Amy Groeschel for praying together.