Being a student pastor at a church, people assume that the greatest “calling” in my life is being a minister at a church. However, I can say with 100% confidence that my highest calling isn’t my ministry. What is it? Hands down…my highest calling is my relationship with my wife and son.
In Ephesians 5, I am commanded to love my wife “as Christ loved the Church” (Eph 5:25). What does that mean? I am to lay down my life for her. I should live a life of sacrifice towards her, being willing to give up anything that hinders our relationship.
Marriage is an unbelievably important aspect of the gospel. God created it, not simply as a symbol, but to literally show us his love for us. If you do not love your wife and family and support them above ALL else, you are giving others a skewed picture of God’s love towards us. If she isn’t first, you are going directly against the Gospel that you claim to believe in and teach.
I know, I know…God should be our first love. That’s right. But God has taught us in Scripture that our family comes first. It comes before my church ministry.
If my ministry ever gets in the way of my relationship with my wife and son, I will quit immediately. My relationship with them is a picture of God’s love for us. I can’t lead if that’s not in order.
Men…love your wives more than anything. You may need to give up the Xbox, sports, or maybe even a ministry so that she can have the attention and love that she needs from you. Others will take notice, and they will see the clearest picture of the Gospel that they will probably ever see. That’s what ministry is all about.
husband. father. leader of a community of Christians called Venue Church. creative. passionate about diversity. simply trying to be obedient in the little (and huge) things.
