31 Days: Marriage Devotionals
31 Days: Marriage Devotionals
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Day 8: Working Together in Harmony Produces Beautiful Music - 31 Days: Marriage Devotionals

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Getting Started

Getting Started

Day 1: The Destructive Power of Harmful Words

Day 1: The Destructive Power of Harmful Words

Day 2: The Constructive Power of Helpful Words

Day 2: The Constructive Power of Helpful Words

Day 3: Ceasing Our Harmful Thoughts: Time for Some Brain Surgery

Day 3: Ceasing Our Harmful Thoughts: Time for Some Brain Surgery

Day 4: Building a New Habit: The Power of Positive Thinking

Day 4: Building a New Habit: The Power of Positive Thinking

Day 5: The Unifying Power of Common Experiences

Day 5: The Unifying Power of Common Experiences

Day 6: Key to Preserving Your Marriage: Being Intentional About Your Focus

Day 6: Key to Preserving Your Marriage: Being Intentional About Your Focus

Day 7: Two Pathways to Riches: Have More or Want Less

Day 7: Two Pathways to Riches: Have More or Want Less

Day 8: Working Together in Harmony Produces Beautiful Music

Day 8: Working Together in Harmony Produces Beautiful Music

Day 9: This Honorable Estate

Day 9: This Honorable Estate

Day 10: Other Dimensions of Faithfulness: Part 1

Day 10: Other Dimensions of Faithfulness: Part 1

Day 11: Other Dimensions of Faithfulness: Part 2

Day 11: Other Dimensions of Faithfulness: Part 2

Day 12: Faithfulness: The Foundation of Trust in a Relationship

Day 12: Faithfulness: The Foundation of Trust in a Relationship

Day 13: Be Angry – Yet Do Not Sin

Day 13: Be Angry – Yet Do Not Sin

Day 14: Solve It Before the Sun Sets --- or at Least Before Bedtime

Day 14: Solve It Before the Sun Sets --- or at Least Before Bedtime

Day 15: The Wisdom We Need Is Peaceable

Day 15: The Wisdom We Need Is Peaceable

Day 16: The Wisdom We Need Is Gentle

Day 16: The Wisdom We Need Is Gentle

Day 17: The Wisdom We Need Is Willing to Yield

Day 17: The Wisdom We Need Is Willing to Yield

Day 18: The Wisdom We Need Is Full of Mercy

Day 18: The Wisdom We Need Is Full of Mercy

Day 19: The Wisdom We Need Is Without Hypocrisy

Day 19: The Wisdom We Need Is Without Hypocrisy

Day 20: What? Me Worry? Husbands Edition

Day 20: What? Me Worry? Husbands Edition

Day 21: What? Me Worry? Wives Edition

Day 21: What? Me Worry? Wives Edition

Day 22: Marriage Builder Tip: Be Patient with Each Other

Day 22: Marriage Builder Tip: Be Patient with Each Other

Day 23: Marriage Builder Tip: The Beauty of a Clean Slate

Day 23: Marriage Builder Tip: The Beauty of a Clean Slate

Day 24: Marriage Builder Tip: The Power of Perseverance

Day 24: Marriage Builder Tip: The Power of Perseverance

Day 25: Marriage Builder Tip: The Power of Prayerful Hope

Day 25: Marriage Builder Tip: The Power of Prayerful Hope

Day 26: The Destructive Power of a Restless Spirit

Day 26: The Destructive Power of a Restless Spirit

Day 27: The Contagious Power of Relentless Contentment

Day 27: The Contagious Power of Relentless Contentment

Day 28: A Quiet Life: Learning to Guard Your Privacy – and Your Partner’s Privacy

Day 28: A Quiet Life: Learning to Guard Your Privacy – and Your Partner’s Privacy

Day 29: Minding Your Own Business --- What One Young Wife Decides

Day 29: Minding Your Own Business --- What One Young Wife Decides

Day 30: Earn Your Own Living – What Does This Mean to You?

Day 30: Earn Your Own Living – What Does This Mean to You?

Day 31: Winning the Respect of Others --- Your Marriage Matters

Day 31: Winning the Respect of Others --- Your Marriage Matters

Discipleship Place
John ComstockJul 21, 2021 10:13 pm GMT

Scripture Focus: I urge you then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. Philippians 2:2

 

The house lights flicked twice and then dimmed. Suddenly it was absolutely dark in Symphony Hall. At first we could see nothing at all; gradually we could make out the dim amber glow of the emergency lights above each exit.

 

Then the stage manager turned on the footlights. We could see a sparkling wood floor and the bases of several instruments. We could see a few music stands. Nothing else. We waited in silence and dim light. Eventually we watched as --- centered in the footlights --- four pairs of black patent leather shoes walked onstage.

 

The shoes had people in them: Four of the greatest jazz musicians ever born. Yet these four musicians had opted, across their careers, not to “go solo” and succeed as mere individuals. Instead, they had formed a partnership with this goal: Working together in harmony to produce beautiful music.

 

The group they formed was called the Modern Jazz Quartet. Sitting there in Symphony Hall, we were treated to an amazing, transcendent musical experience. It is a powerful thing when individuals work together for a common goal, sharing as partners instead of striving as individuals. The results --- as we experienced that night --- can be amazing.

 

Paul tells us in this passage to “have the same thoughts” and to “share the same love.” Note that he does not tell us to “become the same person.” That would be redundant, completely unnecessary, and frankly a bit scary! We don’t need to become the same person; what we need is to work together in harmony. When we do, all those around us can see and hear our love for each other, and can celebrate the music of our marriage.

 

For your personal reflection:

  • Have you learned by experience the amazing power of having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and becoming soul-mates?
  • It’s not about trying to morph yourself into an exact clone of your partner. Instead, it’s about deciding to work together in harmony, moving forward toward the same goals.
Prayer: Lord, the music of our marriage is not always divine – or harmonious. Teach me how to play my part well – in harmony with my spouse. Help us work together, sharing the same love, having the same thoughts, and uniting more closely at the soul level. Lord, let our marriage sound like beautiful music --- so that all around us can hear You!
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