February 11, 2025
by Pastor Chuck Swindoll
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God gives a pastor a spouse for life, knowing full well that it will take time to cultivate that relationship. Unfortunately, we live in a day in which people think if our activity is not at the church, it lacks devotion to Jesus.
As pastors, we can fall for that lie if we don’t continually guard against it. Just the opposite is true.
When we give our time to our spouse, we are demonstrating devotion to Christ. I don’t think we’re missing out on anything God has for us to do at the church.
One of my cherished mentors, Dr. Howard Hendricks, once made a tremendous statement: “Your marriage will either make or mar your ministry.”
It has taken years for me to get my arms around that significant statement . . . and I’m still learning the truth of its implications.
A passage we’ve read many times—maybe even preached—also applies to those of us who are engaged in ministry:
A married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided. (1 Corinthians 7:33–34)
Does spending time with your spouse take away from your time with God and your work for God? In a word: Yes.
And it should.
Pastor Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. He is the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends far beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs around the world. Chuck’s leadership as president and now chancellor emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation of men and women for ministry.
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