Fully Connected MarriageSample

# 3 Needs of a Fully Connected Marriage ### Need # 1 - Priority #### God is first, your spouse is second and everything else flows from that. Life has many pieces and parts and it can be difficult to put all the pieces together. Putting God first is a must. He created you and designed you perfectly, but the greatest truth is that apart from Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5) Occasionally our priority list must be reordered for our benefit and the benefit of those around us. Our priorities are defined by how we spend our time. Time is a valuable asset and a resource that can be well invested or squandered if we aren’t careful. Take a few minutes and evaluate your schedule. What you make time for will answer the question of “what is your priority?” As you take a few minutes to evaluate you can also brainstorm a few ways to shift things to keep the first things first. * Time with God in the Word and in prayer * Time with your spouse in conversation and connecting * Time with the people in your life that matter most * Time reflecting on what you are grateful for that God has already done ### Need #2 - Intentionality ### We are committed and willing to do the work to make it work. The word intentional can bring a sense of purpose and meaning that will guide our thoughts, words and actions. Being intentional simply means we are focused and move with purpose. We believe that marriage is worth the work. You read that right; marriage takes WORK. Anything worth having is worth working for. Colossians 3:23 says "whatever you do. work at it with all your heart". Being intentional with God is more than just checking the box for Sunday morning church attendance. Being intentional with our spouse is more than sleeping in the same bed together or sitting near each other on the couch watching TV to unwind from the day. When I am intentional in my relationship with God and spending time in the Word, I am recharged daily to do the work required as a husband, wife, boss, employee, mom, dad, friend and leader. As I spend time with the Creator, He gives me everything I need to share with the people around me. As I am intentional with my most important relationships everything and everyone around me is impacted. What are you making time for? What are you doing to be intentional in your relationship with God and your relationship with your spouse? ### Need #3 - Accountability ### Surround yourself with people who love you and will spur you on toward love and good deeds. True accountability is fueled by love for the sole purpose of being strengthened when we are weak, truth when we are struggling and encouragement when we lose sight of what matters most! Accountability comes through being with a community. Our community is the people we choose to spend time with, do life with and share the important moments with. Our community shows up when we are walking through hard times and celebrates with us when things go right! Who are you doing life with? Those are the people who should be speaking life, encouraging, standing in the gap with us and standing up for us. They should be your biggest fans. As a husband or wife, there's a seat reserved just for you… #1 fan and loudest cheerleader! But who wants to be the only one in the cheering section? Surround yourselves with people who will cheer loudly too, show up when things get tough or show up at your kid's soccer game. Find the people who will pray with and for you and be that person for others too! ### Think It Over: What area do I need to put more focus on? (priority, intentionality, accountability) ### Make a Move: Take a look at your schedule and block out time to connect with God and time for you to connect with your spouse. Set a reminder on your phone and let those alerts be an encouragement. Share with a trusted friend so they can cheer you on and hold you to your commitment.