How can we tell when something has taken God’s place in our lives? Listen as Dr. Greg Smalley of Focus on the Family returns to talk about what happens when marriage becomes an idol.

“My greatest ministry is to my wife and my kids. But that’s not meant to be exclusive.”

Greg shares some warning signs for knowing when your marriage becomes an idol.

• If your family or marriage takes up all of your free time.

• Allowing other priorities to slide.

• Finding your joy in how well your spouse is loving or serving you.

• A single-minded pursuit of pleasure.

• Going to your spouse for your identity rather than God.

“When we first and foremost show up in our marriage with a Matthew 6:33 mindset – seek first His kingdom above all else – then He will give us what we need. In those moments when it’s just about me and I’m shut down, then it’s become an idol.”

Susie points out that an idol is a false source. “A spouse is going to let you down. But Jesus never will. I’ve been loved first and I have all I need.”

Greg offers his thoughts.

“God has completely met my need to be loved. I’m passionate about marriage unlike anything else. But I will be the first to tell you that God sent His Son not to die for marriage. He sent His Son to die for that individual and first and foremost He wants that relationship with us.”

Ask yourself these questions:

Has the goal of my marriage become my happiness?

Am I using my marriage to bless others?

Am I merely pursuing pleasure?

Key Scriptures: Malachi 2:15; 1 John 5:21

Featured Songs: Do Everything by Steven Curtis Chapman; He is With Us by Love & the Outcome; Joy by Rend Collective

Highlight : Is your marriage like the Dead Sea?

When marriage becomes an idol