from Gary Hamrick
... Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel

... A godly marriage begins with two lives fully surrendered to Christ

Matthew 6:33 NKJV (devotion translation)

The desire for marriage is good and God-given, yet Scripture teaches that even this desire must be placed under a greater priority: seeking the kingdom of God first. When Jesus speaks these words, He is not dismissing human needs but properly ordering them. A relationship, including marriage, is not meant to be the foundation of life, but a result of a life already grounded in God.

To pursue a spouse rightly begins with pursuing Christ faithfully. This means placing yourself in environments where God is honored, His Word is taught, and His people are gathered. Spiritual direction matters because it shapes both who you are becoming and who you are likely to meet. Scripture consistently shows that our companionships influence our walk with God, not merely our circumstances.

At the same time, trusting God’s sovereignty does not mean passivity. Faith is not inactivity. Just as God provides daily bread yet calls us to labor, so also He guides relationships while calling us to wise and intentional steps. There is a responsibility to walk in obedience, to grow in spiritual maturity, and to seek relationships that reflect God’s design.

Most importantly, the central quality to look for in a future spouse is not personality, compatibility, or shared interests, but a genuine devotion to Jesus Christ. Marriage is sustained not by natural harmony but by shared submission to the Lord. Where Christ is truly honored, grace grows, forgiveness is practiced, and unity is strengthened.

When both individuals are seeking Christ first, they are being shaped by the same truth, led by the same Spirit, and anchored in the same hope. This becomes the foundation upon which a lasting, God-honoring marriage is built.

Lord, help me to seek You above all things and to trust You to lead me in every relationship according to Your will. Amen.

• Psalm 37:4-5 - Delighting in the Lord and committing our way to Him aligns our desires with His will.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trusting God’s direction ensures He guides our paths, including relationships.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14 - A call to be united with those who share faith, emphasizing spiritual alignment in relationships.
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 - Every part of life, including relationships, is to be lived for God’s glory.
• Colossians 3:17 - All actions are to be done in the name of the Lord, reflecting a Christ-centered life.
• Ephesians 5:21-25 - Marriage is rooted in mutual submission and Christlike love.
• 1 Corinthians 7:39 - Marriage is to be “in the Lord,” pointing to shared devotion to Christ.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 - Fellowship with believers encourages spiritual growth and wise relationships.