1 Corinthians 7:32-34a read, “I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided…”

On Valentine’s Day I wanted to remind myself of this fascinating perspective on the life of the married pastor. Too often I think and act like an unmarried man. I’m too focused on shepherding, teaching, and writing (not to mention my beloved hobbies). Yet, God’s Word tells me my interests are divided. God doesn’t give me a percentage (x percent on our Lord and x percent on our wife), only that my attention is split in two. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Although I’ve often displayed an unbiblical, undivided interest in the Lord’s work (notice, I didn’t say “in the Lord” because proper attention on the Lord would create the balance Paul describes), I have tried to let my faith-family know how important my wife is to me. Over the  years, during a sermon I have often given my wife credit for good insights into God’s Word. I want them to know how special she is.

Today is a good day for me to relish in my wonderful married life. Michele and I have been married for 26 years. She is the most Spirit-sensitive person I know. She continues to pursue her Lord passionately and it shows in the way she loves me and our adult children. Apart from Christ, God’s greatest gift to me is Michele and the opportunity I have to devote my attention to her.

If you are married, I hope you feel the same way I do.