What Jason Said

Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31

Jason is a new friend. I've known him for a few years now, but I feel like I am just now really getting to know him. He's exact. He's thoughtful. Sometimes quiet. Sometimes not. He's put together, and thinks before he talks. Often he's the kind of guy you don't want to sit by to make sure no one compares you to him. I don't think he gives off this vibe on purpose—I think it's the opposite. I think he really does try hard to not make others feel uncomfortable around him. He's intelligent... super intelligent... but you'd never know it unless he slipped up and you caught a glimpse like I did.

Recently, we were both outside of a bunkhouse at a men's retreat chatting with a few guys. Through the course of the conversation, one of the men we were talking to learned Jason was a non-practicing lawyer and asked him why he wasn't. At that moment the kiddie-ride conversation was over. Jason began to talk about his own personal proclivities toward the legal industry. It was quite an impressive, well thought out answer. After a few minutes it was clear I was the only one in the group that had no clue what they heck they were talking about. I then just kind of zoned out like I do around people speaking a language I don't. I just listened for my name and nodded a few times like I understood hoping no one would ask me a real question.

I wrote all that because I wanted to tell you what Jason said the other day. It's important, I think, to know the weight of someone's words, and (in this case) the weight of what he said. Some people (like me) can say a whole bunch sometimes and not really say much at all. Then, there are others that seem to stay ponderously quiet stewing on golden nuggets of truth while strategically waiting to release them at the right moment. Jason is that kind of guy.

We got a treat last Fight Club. Jason and his equally amazing wife, Reese led it. There was great banter, group facilitation and times of deep thought. It was really the kind of group we want. Lots of talk interjected with little golden nuggets of interesting. Jason at one point was talking about purpose and something he said stuck with me—I haven't been able to get it out of my mind since. He said this (and, I'm paraphrasing)...

If as single Christians it is our purpose to know God and to be a [witnessing force] to those that don't know Him, wouldn't it make sense that we are called, ultimately, to be that same [powerhouse] as a married couple?

The moment he said this I was stopped in my tracks. Really at that moment nothing else mattered, and I heard nothing else that was said. I was mentally chewing. I knew he had made a deeply profound statement and it showed with its impact. To know God—to allow Him to make us like Him—Godlike—isn't that our ultimate purpose as Christians? And, how often, lost in our own day-to-day workings do we forget that? How easy is it to let it slip our consciousness that our ultimate goal as a united force is to Glorify Him. Not ourselves.



Think About It

1. Do we glorify God in our marriage by living for Him, or are we glorifying ourselves by living for what we want? 

2. When have you put your needs before your spouses? Your children? What can you repent for right now – with genuine and honest repentance – to your spouse? Now, do it. Right now.

3. Who can you share the answers to these questions with? Will they walk with you through your freedom journey? Commit to six months of transparency, teachability and accountability with another husband or wife (same gender as yourself). 



Scripture for a Marriage

• 1 Corinthians 10:31
• Ephesians 5:26