One: A Marriage Devotional by Jimmy EvansSample

Precision Required

Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)

In almost every realm of life, success depends on precision. The examples are almost endless. Tiger Woods must hit the ball in a precise position and putt it exactly in the hole. He must do this for eighteen holes each day and for four days in a row to win a golf tournament.

Those who assemble airplanes must build them to exact specifications for safety reasons. Those who manufacture medications, especially those to treat serious illnesses, must make them to conform to the most precise mixture of ingredients and dosages. The list goes on and on as to the areas of life that must be precise for success.

Marriage is the same. It must be conducted according to God’s specific plan if it is going to work. I’m saying this for two reasons. First, I’m simply reminding you that God created man and marriage, and He is the only person who truly understands how we operate.

The Word of God is the instruction book that tells how you are designed to operate. In His mercy, God has given detailed instructions showing you how to love each other and how to build a life and marriage that will stand every test. In the Scripture above, Jesus promises that if you will obey His words, no force on earth will be able to cause you to fail.

The second reason I am addressing this issue is because of how common it is for people to try to make their marriages and relationships work on their own terms. This is true of many married couples who ignore God’s Word and try to impose their own opinions on each other to fix their problems or to alleviate frustrations.

World history and recent American history are replete with examples of how marriage is a miserable failure when you don’t follow God’s instructions. Just like most other areas of life, marriage requires precision. Thank God that He has given you every answer needed for success.

Next time you’re flying on an airplane, be thankful that those who put it together were precise. It’s what makes your flight safe and pleasant. It’s the same for marriage. Buckle up, get your Bible out and enjoy a safe and pleasant life.

Talk It Out | Talk about everyday ways that precision is important in your life—for example, measuring ingredients for a recipe, balancing your checkbook, following safety procedures at work, etc. Then discuss how that principle carries over into your marriage. In what areas could you apply God’s Word more precisely to ensure success?

Walk It Out | Watch a favorite movie together one night this week. Pop some popcorn or fix a snack you both like; then cuddle up on the couch and enjoy!