Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. — Philippians 3:8
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After nearly 20 years together, you would think Scott and I would know each other pretty well. And in some ways we do. But even after all this time, there are still things we learn about each other. For example, until just a few months ago, I thought butter cake with caramel frosting was his favorite. In fact, he prefers chocolate frosting. Who knew??
More and more I’m finding marriage to be a lifelong learning process. As much as we both seem to be pretty set in our ways, the reality is, we’re both always changing. There are new things to learn and nuances to explore.
The same is true in our relationship with Jesus. There is always more to know, more to grasp, more to understand.
Paul wrote that compared to knowing Christ everything else was rubbish. He was willing to lose everything he’d worked for and valued in order to walk with the Lord. Paul lost it all — his reputation, his position in the community, the power he’d gained, even his freedom as he sat in a Roman jail writing to the church at Philippi. And yet, he said the gain, the surpassing worth, was Jesus.
I’ve been asking myself what has surpassing worth in my life? In our marriage? What are we willing to lose everything else to have?
Of course I want to say the same thing as Paul said — Jesus. But the reality is, Scott and I can easily slip into giving other things the priority. We can start to measure our lives by material gain or accomplishment or accolades. The truth is, we all have to battle that war between flesh and Spirit. And it’s an ongoing fight to give Jesus the place He deserves in our hearts, our homes, and our marriages.
How do we keep our eyes focused on the true prize, on knowing Christ?
First, we make individual time in the Word a priority. There isn’t a shortcut when it comes to Bible study and meditation. The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself and we must root ourselves in it if we desire to grow and mature in Him. {Read this post for more about having a quiet time: Devotions, Quiet Time, and Personal Bible Study: Is It Really Necessary?}
Second, we make prayer — individually and together — a priority.
Third, we encourage one another to act on what we’re learning about following Him. When Scott or I have opportunity to act on what God is teaching us, we take it! He is my biggest cheerleader for spiritual growth and I am his.
Fourth, we know the value of accountability. While there have been seasons when we have not had an accountability group or partner, we both recognize the need for this type of relationship. We consistently encourage each other to seek accountability and support from others.
While these four things are not always easy, I can absolutely say when we keep them as cornerstones in our faith and our marriage, we are more focused on knowing Christ and living for Him.
~ Teri Lynne
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Today’s Prayer
Lord, it’s easy for us to get distracted by all the things this world values. Help us remember the truth that everything is rubbish when compared to You. May our lives be marked by a genuine desire to know You more and more and a faithfulness to encourage one another as we seek to grow in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
#MarriagePrayers: May our lives be marked by a genuine desire to know You more. (Phil. 3:8) Share on X**********
Thank you for joining us for #MarriagePrayers: 31 Verses to Pray for Your Marriage. Scott and I will be sharing a new verse and prayer every day throughout May, leading up to our 20th anniversary on June 1. You can find every day’s post indexed here. We pray you will be encouraged and challenged as you pray God’s Word for your marriage.
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