Last weekend my wife and I had a staycation in a town forty-three miles from our home. We explored the area, tasted local foods, got massages, and even enjoyed a lakeview room for one of our two-night stay.

On our first morning, we discussed our relationship, which included matters from years ago that we had not discussed as in-depth as we did this time. After our time away we felt restored and felt closer to each other than before. Our change of environment, routine and experiences provided the right conditions for us to enjoy a therapeutic, fun yet relaxing time.

We enjoy traveling and believe that one of the purposes for us being together is to make a difference in the lives of others. By renewing our spirit, we reinvigorated our drive toward this mission.

For what purpose are you and your spouse together? How successfully are you fulfilling your mission?

In Genesis 2, Adam and Eve’s purpose was to take care of the Garden of Eden (verses 15 and 18). However, the devil in the form of a serpent influenced them to disobey God and this thwarted their mission.

Whatever your purpose is, the goal of the enemy is to keep you from it. So, he will use whatever or whoever he can to prevent you from functioning as one (verse 24). This could include your emotions, circumstances, misunderstandings, insecurities, or money, to name a few. The more clarity you have on your purpose, the easier it would be to remember that your spouse is not the enemy, though at times it may seem like it.

We each have gifts and we should use them to glorify God. Imagine how much more effective you and your spouse would be if you functioned in your gifts and in concert with each other.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God. Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

(NASB, 1 Peter 4:10-11)