Marriage is Teamwork
When we think of great teams, we often recall the Chicago Bulls of the ’90s, the New England Patriots of the last two decades, or our favorite sports teams and the players who make them successful. These teams excel because each player understands their role and works together toward a common goal. Similarly, a strong marriage thrives when both partners embrace their roles and support one another as a team. When we commit to living out God’s call in our marriage, we function in sync and thrive. However, when we neglect our roles, things become disjointed, and we struggle.
Much like a basketball team where one player takes all the shots, disrupting the flow of the game, or a linebacker failing to stay on assignment, allowing a running back to break through, a marriage requires teamwork. Each spouse has a vital role, and their actions support and uplift their partner. This is how God designed marriage to work.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." — Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)
The Strength of a United Marriage
Marriage is about partnership. Each person plays a role and supports the other in their efforts. When a marriage functions well, you see two people working together, achieving far more than they could alone—whether in raising children, maintaining a home, managing finances, building a future, serving the community, or helping others. Whatever the task, a strong teammate helps accomplish more than one could alone.
Supporting Each Other in Difficult Times
Life comes with challenges, and having a great teammate in marriage means having someone who will lift you up when you fall. If one of you becomes sick, faces job loss, or struggles in any way, a loving spouse provides support, strength, and encouragement. Marriage is a beautiful covenant, knowing that no matter what, you have someone to walk alongside you through life’s highs and lows.
Facing Life’s Challenges Together
Two people united in marriage can better defend against the difficulties of life. Spouses provide each other with wisdom, guidance, and emotional support. They can talk through daily struggles, offer encouragement, and help each other navigate the path ahead. A strong marriage creates resilience, allowing both partners to weather storms together rather than facing them alone.
Growing as a Team
Marriage doesn’t automatically start in perfect harmony. There is a learning curve as two people begin their lives together. There will be times when one spouse takes on more than their fair share or when another falls short. These are growing pains, part of the process of building a strong partnership. Living with another person can be challenging, but when done right, it is incredibly rewarding.
Like any good team, a marriage needs a shared goal. In your marriage there are many goals you should have. A few questions to consider together:
What type of adults are we trying to raise? What do we want our finances to look like? What do we want our house to be like?
But, the ultimate goal should be to glorify God and be a light to those around you. Keeping Him at the center of your marriage brings unity, strength, and purpose. When we shift our focus solely onto ourselves or our spouse rather than on Him, we can lose our way. But when we each learn our role, strive to improve, and keep our eyes on the goal of honoring God, marriage can become one of the greatest blessings of our lives.
If you need support in navigating your role in marriage, the Marriage Team at Rise is here to help. Just fill out a connect card at https://rise.cc/marriageteam. We have incredible couples ready to guide and encourage you on your journey.
God Bless!