Principle 4: Work As A Team.

UNCOMMON WISDOM

Be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. —1 Corinthians 1:10

UNCOMMON PRACTICE

Take a few moments to select one of this week’s practices to explore further. The related Adventure Application appears just below each practice. If you’d prefer to come up with a different way of living out that practice this week, feel free to discuss what that might look like.

Consciously think of your spouse as a valued teammate.

You are teammates in a common cause, whether it is impacting the world, raising children, or completing some other task God has given you. Spend a few minutes discussing ways you might be able to work better together as a team.

Make a special effort to learn more about your spouse’s passions and interests.

In what ways are you and your spouse “busy enjoying life” together right now? If that’s a tough question to answer, focus on an activity this week that one of you loves to do. Intentionally learn more about it or even engage in it together.

Parent in a way that champions values, models character, and ensures each family member is doing what he or she needs to do that day.

Pick a character trait or godly value that you want your children to embrace and explain it to them. Spend some time during the next two weeks helping them see ways to live it out within the family and beyond.

Seek coaching from trusted family members, friends, or counselors when you feel more like opponents than teammates.

If you need help resolving an issue, consider setting up a time this week to speak with a friend or counselor. Or you might choose to set aside time to pray for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in a matter. (Sunday’s “Uncommon Prayer” section might provide a good starting point.)

Work to accomplish something important together; as you do, you’ll see your marriage growing stronger.

What could you do together that would make a lasting impact? If you’re drawing a blank, organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity might help you come up with ideas. If you already serve together, discuss how satisfied each of you is with that outreach.

Be intentional about noticing and addressing the needs of your spouse and children.

What is one specific way that you can address a need within your family—today?

UNCOMMON PRAYER

Take a few minutes to discuss any praises and needs you’d like to bring to God as a couple. Then, in addition to praying about those things, use one or more of the following prayer prompts to ask for God’s strength and wisdom as you seek to work as a team.

Praise God for the gift of each other and for uniting you in marriage so that together you are more than the sum of your individual parts.

Confess any areas where you might not be acting as teammates but as rivals or opponents.

Seek God’s help in identifying a practical way in which you might serve your children, your extended family, or your community together.

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom on any issue within your marriage that seems to be pulling you apart.