Vision check: Is what you're shooting for pleasing to the Lord? - Crosswalk Marriage Devotional
Vision check—Is what you're shooting for pleasing to the Lord?
By Rev. Noelle Kirchner
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Cor. 9:24–25).
There is value in a good team. As a mom of three sons, I have seen sports teams move skillfully together on more fields than I can count. As Christians, marriage is a very important team outside of Christ’s body, the church. God is so invested in marriage that he not only binds husband and wife together as “one flesh,” but He also enters the marital covenant Himself as the third strand of the marital chord (Mk. 10:8–9). Two people standing together for His glory have the capacity to do far more than one.
The importance of the marital bond demands that we steward it wisely. We can’t lose focus on our ultimate “win,” which is following God. That’s why a regular “vision check” as a couple is helpful. Here are three ways to vision-check that build on Paul’s sports analogy in 1 Cor. 9:24–25. My experience as a pastor and wife of over twenty years informs these tips. Because our youngest son is a soccer player, I relate them to running on a field!
- Just as there are rules to successfully playing any game, the first step to a vision check is making sure that you are properly informed. Imagine that God is your coach and the Bible is your playbook. Are you opening channels to hear God’s direction to you as a couple? For example, if you are struggling with raising your children, are you praying about it with your spouse? If you are fighting on a loop with your spouse, are you seeking direction in His Word and perhaps from a Christian counselor? Are you regularly worshiping together so that you are flooding your mind first and foremost with His wisdom? Prayer, the Bible, godly counsel, and worship provide key training. God knows the rules of the field and can help you navigate it.
- A good athlete risks at the right moment for the win; likewise, God will call you to step out in faith, too. Are you staying safe as a couple, or are you exercising your faith and leaning on each other? Stepping out in faith can be risky. For Christians who are being persecuted, the risk is clear. But for those who aren’t, obedience will still come at a price. Imagine Peter, who was called to walk on water—he did so only when he heard Jesus’ call. We aren’t called to stupid feats, but rather measured risk at the call of God. Is God calling you to pursue a dream you both have for your child, marriage, or vocation? Draw support from one another and arm yourselves with encouragement from His Word daily; it’s like practicing those goal-scoring shots.
- Understand and anticipate your opponent. On the field, your opponent is the other team; in real life, the Bible is clear that your opponent is an enemy who comes to “steal, kill, and destroy” (Jn. 10:10). The enemy does not want to see your marriage thrive, and he’ll try to derail it by bringing it down or keeping your vision clouded. While his tricks are deceptive and sneaky, luckily, they are not new. Look at Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Lk. 4). Satan still comes to derail us through the lust of the flesh (earthly passions), lust of the eyes (possessions), and pride of life (position). Things like the temptation to commit adultery, keep up with the Joneses, or pursue a worldly position at the cost of family or worship time are right up his alley. The best remedy is to talk openly with your spouse about where you’re most tempted, because we all are, and formulate a counter maneuver together. Seek His Word and ask God for help—He will!
Scripture affirms that God, our coach, will have the ultimate win. Therefore, our goal as married couples is to make the most of our time on the field. Because we serve what we worship, make sure to regularly vision check and keep your gaze up. There is a thrill in store when we make a godly goal, and it’s even more satisfying with the hand of the one we love in ours. You are equipped for victory—imagine the whole team of heaven cheering you on!
Let’s Pray: Almighty God, we want to play for You. As my spouse and I journey down the field, help us to skillfully use the Bible as our playbook for Your victory. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Application: What challenge are you currently facing as a couple? What do you imagine God, your coach, would instruct you to do?
Challenge: Create a list of three goals that you would like to achieve for his glory as a couple. Pray about and over them. Don’t make them too safe.
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