Your Marriage Needs to Be a Priority

Note from today’s Bible reading: Deuteronomy 24-27

Not long after the Israelites were delivered from Egyptian bondage, God instructed Moses to “take a census” in order to number every man who was “able to go out to war” (Numbers 1:2-3). They were going to enter the promised land and drive out the inhabitants, so everyone needed to be ready to participate in that mission.

However, the Lord mentioned one time in a man’s life in which he was not to serve, despite being physically able to do so. “When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army nor be charged with any duty; he shall be free at home one year and shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken” (Deuteronomy 24:5).

During a time of war, sacrifices have to be made by everyone for the cause of the nation. Yet this instruction made it clear that the Lord expected His people to prioritize their marriage. The lesson from this is not to take a year-long honeymoon when we get married. But it does show us that we may need to sacrifice other things – even important things – for the sake of our marriage.

So remember that your marriage needs to be a priority. This must be clear from the beginning and continue from that point forward. The things of this life – no matter how important they may be – must not be allowed to drive a wedge between spouses.