‘How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.’ Psalms 133:1-3(NLT)
‘Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.’ Hebrews 10:24-25(NLT)
‘May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Romans 15:5-6(NLT)
‘Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! ‘ Hebrews 13:1-2(NLT)
Devotional Content:
Saying that community is important for the two of you in your marriage just doesn’t have the impact that I want it to have for you because community is essential. When we look at the defining events for your generation, one thing that stands out in every list is technology. When we look at lists of things that define this generation, we always find technology reliant. There is nothing wrong with either of those as long as we keep them in balance. Technology has changed the way of life for all of us, but it seems millennials more than any other generation have become technology reliant. So far, we have not done a very good job of using the tools of technology to help us build community. Personally, I think that is beginning to change, and some exciting things are in the not-too-distant-future. But I don’t see the importance of face-to-face community ever changing.
You need other couples in your life who have similar (if not the same) goals, values, and beliefs that the two of you have. You need couples to do life with—to help you raise your kids, to go through hard times with you, to worship and pray with you. You need a community of like-minded believers whom you can love and who love you.
Now our question: How do we build community? Let’s make a list.
- Talk together about what you want in community. Ask yourselves if you are both willing to be vulnerable with others in order to build a community that truly does life together.
- Begin your search. The best place to look is probably your church. If you are not in a church, it is time to find one that has other millennial married couples. If you are in a church and the only millennial married couple is you, it might be time to at least look around at other churches.
- Find at least one other couple and begin to spend time together. See if you are all on the same path and headed in the same direction. Being on the same page with your faith is so important. You want couples that you can pray with and for and that will do the same for you.
- Work toward having three to five couples (that number can fluctuate) that will be the core of your community. Begin to do life with them. Go to church together, meet as a small group, eat meals together, pray for each other, babysit each other’s kids, be there for each other’s important life events, and support each other through tough times. Build trust with each other and never break it. Be patient. This may take some time.
- Your community will expand as you meet new couples and as friends marry. Your original core group will always be special because of all you have shared together.
I said today as we began that being in community is essential. It was for us. The people we have done life with are people that we cherish today. Over the years we have added new couples, but none of our core have left. The bond has been too important. We needed those couples to do life with us. As important as community was for us, it is even more so today. We live in a world that seems to move further and further away from God. To stay on track we all need accountability. Your community will keep you connected to each other and to God.
Today’s Challenge:
Together make a list of what you desire in community.
Going Deeper:
Begin to pray together for God to bring you that first couple to start your community.
from Challenges Of A Millennial Marriage