Introduction
When I got newly married, I remember how excited I was about everything. The fresh beginning, the joy of being called a wife, and the many plans my husband and I shared were all beautiful. But to be sincere, I quickly realized that marriage was not just about the excitement of wearing a wedding gown or being addressed as Mr. and Mrs. Life had a way of bringing responsibilities from family members, work pressure, church activities, and even personal ambitions that could easily steal the attention that my marriage needed.
At one point, I noticed that if I was not careful, I would give my energy to everything else while my marriage stood neglected. That experience taught me a powerful lesson: marriage must always come first after God, or else everything else will eventually fall apart.
This is why, as Christians, we must be intentional about placing our marriage in the right position. God Himself instituted marriage and gave clear instructions that the two shall become one flesh, meaning it is not just another relationship among many, but the most important human relationship after our relationship with Him (Genesis 2:24). When couples put their marriage first, they not only enjoy peace and fulfillment but also honor God in their union.
Therefore, let us consider,
1. Marriage is God’s Covenant Design
2. It Protects the Bond of Oneness
3. It Provides a Stable Foundation for the Family
4. It Helps Couples Overcome Challenges Together
5. It Strengthens Your Spiritual Journey
6. It Reflects God’s Glory to the World
1. Marriage is God’s Covenant Design
Marriage is not a casual arrangement. It is a covenant established by God from the very beginning of creation. When Adam was alone, God said it was not good for him to be alone, and He created Eve as a helper suitable for him (Genesis 2:18). That union was sealed as the first covenant between man and woman.
Placing your marriage first is a way of respecting the covenant God has placed upon your lives. When couples treat marriage as a divine covenant rather than just a contract, they will understand that everything else must flow out of the strength of their union. Just as Christ loves the Church and gave Himself for her, so a husband must love his wife sacrificially, and the wife must submit with respect (Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 5:22).
2. It Protects the Bond of Oneness
The Bible makes it clear that in marriage the two become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). This oneness is not just physical but spiritual, emotional, and even in purpose. When couples allow other things, such as career, extended family, or ministry, to take the primary place over their marriage, that oneness begins to weaken.
I remember a friend who got married and, within a year, poured all her energy into her job. She barely had time for her husband, and soon he began to feel neglected. The truth is, the more couples invest in their marriage, the stronger their bond becomes. Prioritizing your marriage helps you protect the intimacy and unity God intends.
The Bible reminds us that two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor, and when united, they are not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Putting your marriage first protects that oneness and makes it harder for external forces to divide you.
3. It Provides a Stable Foundation for the Family
Marriage is the bedrock upon which families are built. When couples place their marriage first, they create a healthy and stable environment for children and everyone connected to them. A shaky marriage will produce a shaky home. Children who grow up in a home where the marriage is not prioritized often suffer emotional instability, insecurity, and a lack of proper guidance.
The Bible says that except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it (Psalm 127:1). Couples who allow God to build their marriage first will find that every other part of their home flourishes. A strong marriage provides children with a picture of love, faithfulness, and commitment that they will carry into their own future relationships.
Placing your marriage first is not selfish. It is wisdom, because from that place flows every other blessing and responsibility in the home.
4. It Helps Couples Overcome Challenges Together
Life is full of trials. There will be moments of financial stress, health issues, misunderstandings, and external pressures. A marriage that is not prioritized will not withstand these storms. However, when couples put their marriage first, they face challenges together as a united front.
The Bible says, “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). Agreement and unity only come when both husband and wife are intentional about building their marriage above all else. When storms come, couples who have placed their marriage first will hold hands, pray together, and encourage one another through the fire.
The devil always seeks to divide and conquer. But when couples are united and prioritize their covenant, they become like a fortified wall that cannot be easily broken. Jesus Himself said a house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25). By putting your marriage first, you are building a resilient partnership that can stand the test of time.
5. It Strengthens Your Spiritual Journey
Marriage is not only about companionship; it is also about spiritual growth. Couples who prioritize their marriage place themselves in a position to grow spiritually together. They pray together, study the Word together, and encourage each other to serve God faithfully.
The Bible describes marriage as a reflection of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:32). That means marriage is meant to be a spiritual picture to the world of God’s love and faithfulness. If couples put everything else before their marriage, that picture becomes blurred.
When marriage is given its rightful place, couples will find it easier to submit to God’s will, forgive each other, and walk in love. Their spiritual journey becomes richer because they are not walking alone but with a God-given partner. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor.
6. It Reflects God’s Glory to the World
Marriage is more than personal happiness; it is a testimony to the world. A godly marriage that is prioritized shows unbelievers the beauty of God’s design and draws them closer to Him. When people see couples who are united, loving, and committed, they see a reflection of God’s glory.
Jesus said that we should “let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). A marriage that is placed first becomes that shining light. It becomes a silent sermon to neighbors, family members, colleagues, and even children about the faithfulness of God.
When couples neglect their marriage for other things, they not only harm themselves but also weaken their testimony to the world. But when they choose to prioritize their union, they magnify the name of God through their relationship.
Conclusion
Marriage is a gift and covenant given by God. It is not something to be placed second to ambitions, friends, family demands, or even ministry. When couples place their marriage first, they honor God, protect their bond, build a stable family, overcome challenges, grow spiritually, and reflect the glory of God to the world.
From my own experience, I learned that if I did not intentionally guard my marriage, everything else would eventually crumble. But when my husband and I decided to put our marriage in its rightful place, peace and joy became our testimony.
Dear couples, let us always remember that after God, your marriage comes first. Every other thing will eventually pass away, but the covenant you share in marriage is sacred and must be preserved. As the Bible says in Hebrews 13:4, marriage is honorable in all, and that honor is sustained when we choose to put our marriage first.
I see your home enjoying the bliss God has ordained it for, in Jesus’ name. Blessings!
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