Better Work / Life Balance in MarriageSample

Yesterday, we looked at the God-given call to work through the lens of Scripture. Though work is God-ordained and can be very God-honoring, we live in a broken world where sin and the effects of the fall can twist God’s good gifts, even to the point that they become our idols.

To be valued properly, we need to keep work in context. It is a valuable part of life, but not the most valuable. When it comes to priorities, your marriage needs to come before work.

Your relationship with your spouse is a covenant relationship. This doesn’t mean you need to spend every waking hour together of course, but it does require that you prioritize your relationship by keeping your spouse’s perspective and opinion in mind when it comes to your work.

In Matthew 19 and Mark 10, Jesus declared that no one should separate a couple whom God has united in marriage. We are wise to take this instruction and look in the mirror: Are there any ways in which you are splitting apart your own marriage? When we consistently put other things ahead of our spouse, we erode our connection with our spouse and the health of our marriage.

Consider your actions at work, the decisions you make about your schedule, your calendar, and your budget. Do all these areas show that you prioritize your spouse and your marriage?

Has your work taken a greater place than it deserves in your heart, mind, and life? Has any part of it become an idol? Paul says in Philippians 3:7-9 that the value of everything he gained and accomplished pales in comparison to knowing Christ and being found in Him. That treasure is yours, also, if you are in Christ. Don’t miss the power in that truth today: Ask Him to show you if there is anything in your life that you value more than Him. Pray to see things rightly and to honor Him in all you do.

Honoring your spouse honors God. Prayerfully reflect on these questions today:

• Are there any ways that your work is tearing your marriage apart?
• Do you value work over your spouse?
• Are your integrity, actions, and decisions honoring to God and your spouse?
• What does it mean to be in Christ, and that he calls you righteous?
• What are practical ways you can prioritize your marriage? Where is your marriage in your calendar?
• Ask your spouse if they feel prioritized. If they say no, ask them how you can start to make them feel prioritized.