We often hear that a team is a family, but how often do we hear that our family is a team? Marriage requires teamwork and the understanding that our spouse is our teammate.As a coaching family, living for a Greater Purpose can be a battle. Raising kids can be a battle. But like Pastor Francis Chan says, “Being in war together may be what keeps us from being at war with each other. Rather than neglecting the battle to work on your marriage, maybe the best thing for your marriage is to enter the battlefield together.” (see note)
As a king with a Greater Purpose in leading God’s people, David understood the importance of surrounding himself with teammates who were committed to each other and the Lord, much like a family. Although he led an army and represented a nation, he went into battle with a team of three mighty warriors. We also need people around us who will lead with us, stand behind us, and stand for us in our marriages and in our families. One way we can lead together and stand for one another is through prayer. Praying for and with each other gets us on the same page as we enter the battlefield. Even in the middle of battle, when we pray together, we grow closer to God and each other.
In the battles of the Bible, warriors wore armor, but their backs were exposed, so they often fought back-to-back. We need our family teammates to “have our back,” especially our spouse.
Having a losing season? “I have your back.”
Struggling with aging parents? “I have your back.”
Need encouragement? “I have your back.”
Need help with the kids? “I have your back.”
Like a family, David’s teammates had their own gifts, strengths and identity, making them an awesome team. In 2 Samuel 23, David wanted some water and his team, the three warriors, went into enemy territory to get him some. Did David drink it? Nope. He offered it to the Lord because he knew their team wasn’t about “me” or “we” but about HE, the Lord, our God. That is a family with a Greater Purpose.
What is your favorite quality about your teammate (spouse)?
What battles are you currently facing together?
1 https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/marriage-on-the-edge-of-eternity