A number of years ago we went to the Middle East to minister to the marriages of some of the most faithful workers of the Gospel. The work we were involved in centered on the theme of LIVING the gospel message. It’s not just about preaching and teaching the Gospel message, but actually living it out in our everyday lives, so as others see how we live, they are drawn to want to know our God better.
God impressed upon our hearts that these workers minister to so many others, and yet, don’t they also need to be ministered to at times? And what about their marriages? Don’t they need help sometimes just like we do? So, with the Lord’s leading and empowering, that’s what we (and many others) did.
The entire trip was a such a privilege! We fell in love with our fellow brothers and sisters over there, and learned all the more how important it is to speak and LIVE the gospel message. In this Marriage Insight we’ll be sharing with you a portion of what we learned — particularly that, which is relevant to marriages.
Living the Gospel Message
In our time together, Dr. David Ferguson (the founder of the Great Commandment Network) talked about common hindrances to presenting the gospel. He made it clear, “We may be living out the only gospel message some people will ever witness.” That’s one reason why we need to communicate the gospel not only with our words, but also with our actions. It’s important that our words and actions don’t overshadow what the Lord is saying to those He brings our way.
In the Bible in 1 John 3:16 we’re told, “We know love by this —that He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” Relating to this scripture, Dr Ferguson pointed out:
“We need to both SHARE the gospel and LIVE the gospel. The Bible is a truthful gospel, pointing out, ‘He laid down His life for us.‘ But it’s also a relational gospel, which tells us, ‘we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.‘”
Words Overshadow Gospel Message
Too often our words to others are overshadowed by the contradictions they see in how we live our lives. They sometimes look at us and think, “Why should I listen to a word he or she says to me about the love Christ has for me? When I look at him or her, all I see is how they treat each other. They treat others just the opposite of what they preach. Why should I pay attention to what they’re saying? It seems pretty hypocritical to me!”
As Dr Ferguson says, “The relational testimony of my life will either CONFIRM the truthfulness of the gospel or it will DISTRACT from the truthfulness of the Gospel.” People need to see that I’m willing to lay down my own agenda for the sake of the gospel. I am to deny my willful ways of doing things and give of myself on behalf of the “brethren.” I am to do this whether I’m working outside of my home or living inside my home with my spouse and family.
It’s not that we are to let our spouse abuse us or that we are to enable their sinful ways to continue. But we are to live out the ways of Christ in such a way that the words of the Bible ring true. “They will know us because of the love we show towards one another.” Our approach is to be Christlike.
Not a Performance
And it’s not that we are to “act” as performers so people will be more willing to listen to the gospel. We are to live our lives in such a genuine way that it shows that what we say, we TRULY believe, because we do! There’s truth in our actions, as well as truth in what we say.
It’s hypocritical to live our lives one way in front of open doors and another way behind closed doors. Eventually that, which is done in darkness, is revealed in the Light of Christ. And at that point it can have a serious impact on the testimony of the Lord.
Jesus said, “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.” (Luke 8:17) He also said, “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.” (Luke 12:2-3)
These additional truths are also proclaimed in the Bible, “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8) For, “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1 John 1:6)
Being a follower of Christ is about living Christ’s ways whether we have a human “audience” or not. We need to be aware of the fact that there is always a spiritual one. It’s tragic to think how often we “entertain” the enemy of our faith. The enemy of God rejoices whenever we hurt each other with our words and/or our actions. What’s even worse is to know that because God always sees us, His heart grieves deeply whenever HE sees us hurt each other!
Living the Gospel Message
We pray that whether your spouse treats you as he or she should, or not, you’ll ask God to help you to stay true to what you know the Lord would want of you. The question is always, “What would Jesus do in this situation?” It will help you to live out the Gospel Message.
As one pastor wrote:
“There are two reasons people don’t become Christians:
(1) They’ve never met a Christian…
(2) they have.”
We hope you’ll consider this message. And if you realize that you have not been LIVING the Gospel Message that you will repent of this inconsistency and will do what it takes to line your life up with the message of Christ.
Our Mandate, as Believers:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and my ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus Christ, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24)
FYI: Here is a related article on this mandate that you could also find inspiring:
• Are You a Bible LIVING Spouse?
Please know that our love and prayers are with you as together we strive to make our marriages the best they can be. We pray that our lives reveal and reflect the love of Christ to the glory of God!
Cindy and Steve Wright
— ADDITIONALLY —
To help you grow further, we give a lot of personal stories, humor, and more practical tips in our book, 7 ESSENTIALS to Grow Your Marriage. We hope you will pick up a copy for yourself. (It’s available both electronically and in print form.) Plus, it can make a great gift for someone else. It gives you the opportunity to help them grow their marriage. And who doesn’t need that? Just click on the linked title or the picture below:
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