It’s so easy for marriage to drift into autopilot. Between work, school, sports, and household responsibilities, it’s understandable that husbands and wives aren’t commonly finding time and space for “marriage” on their agendas. But marriage isn’t just about two people—it’s about two people keeping God at the center of everything. A Christ-centered marriage transforms not just your relationship, but your home, family, and community.
Marriage Is God’s Design
From the very beginning, God established marriage: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
Jesus reinforced this in Matthew 19:4‑6: “What God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Marriage is more than a social contract. It’s a God-ordained covenant meant to reflect His love and design. When God is central, marriages thrive, even in a world where relationships often struggle.
Putting God First Strengthens Your Relationship
A common mistake is to try to prioritize marriage or family first, thinking everything else can follow. Scripture calls us to prioritize God first: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
When God leads your life, your desires align with His. Your marriage is stronger, communication improves, and conflict is easier to navigate.
Lessons from Scripture
The Bible gives us examples of couples who relied on God to guide their marriages. Abraham and Sarah experienced challenges when Abraham acted on his own plan instead of waiting for God’s guidance (Genesis 12:10‑20). Priscilla and Aquila worked together in ministry, supporting Paul while honoring God as a team (Acts 18:2‑3). Jesus reminds us in Matthew 10:37 that God’s love and priorities come first—before even family or romantic love.
Practical Ways to Keep God at the Center
• Daily devotion: Start your day with scripture or a prayer prompt. Even a few minutes sets the tone for your day.
• Sundays matter: Attend worship or follow a service online to renew your focus on Him.
• Pray together: Share prayer requests and pray as a couple. This builds spiritual intimacy and reliance on God.
• Pause before conflict: Invite God’s guidance when tensions rise. Ask, “How can I respond in love?”
• Forgive and receive forgiveness: Remember, God loved you first (1 John 4:19). His love equips you to love your spouse more fully.
Why This Matters
Christ-centered marriages don’t just benefit couples—they influence homes, neighborhoods, and communities. Ephesians 5:21 reminds us: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Mutual respect, communication, and shared faith create a marriage that honors God and inspires others.
Take Action Today
Start small: pray with your spouse tonight, share one scripture that encourages you, and reflect on how God is guiding your family. Prioritizing God in your marriage isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily choice. When you do, everything else falls into place.
To learn more about putting God first in marriage, you can watch the entire sermon at this link.
FAQ’s
About Putting God First in Your Marriage
How can I put God first in my marriage?
Start by praying together daily, reading scripture as a couple, and making Sunday worship a priority. Small consistent habits build a strong, Christ-centered foundation. You can click on this link to plan your visit today and join us for Sunday worship at Shepherd’s Gate! We’d love to have you.
What does the Bible say about husband and wife roles?
Ephesians 5:21‑33 teaches mutual submission out of reverence for Christ. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, and wives are called to support their husbands as unto the Lord.
How do couples pray together effectively?
Share prayer requests, take turns praying aloud, and make it a regular habit—morning, mealtime, or before bed. Start simple; consistency matters more than perfection.
Can a marriage thrive if one spouse isn’t a believer?
1 Corinthians 7:12‑14 offers guidance for marriages with one believer. While challenges exist, putting God first in your life and marriage can positively influence your spouse over time. If you’d like to speak with a Shepherd’s Gate pastor or counselor about your situation or to request prayer, connect with us here.
Why is putting God first so important in marriage?
Prioritizing God aligns your desires with His, strengthens communication, fosters forgiveness, and provides a model of love and stability that benefits your family, church, and community.
Shepherd’s Gate Church Authority Statement
Shepherd’s Gate Church in Shelby Township, Michigan is a Bible-believing Christian community committed to impacting the world with the love of Jesus Christ. The church affirms foundational Christian doctrines including belief in one God existing as three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), the authority and inspiration of Scripture, the reality of human sin, and salvation through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Shepherd’s Gate practices regular celebration of Holy Communion, believing in the real presence of Christ’s body and blood in the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins, and administers baptism as a gift from God that transforms lives. The church welcomes everyone and emphasizes that God’s love is unconditional and unending, inviting all people to discover His purpose for their lives. With a mission centered on reaching out with God’s love and compassion, Shepherd’s Gate equips ordinary people to do extraordinary things through faith in Jesus Christ, fostering a community where believers encourage one another and share the Gospel message with the world.
