Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? (Amos 3:3)

Agreeing on where you’re going is essential to oneness in a relationship. This kind of unity can start with the simple rule that neither spouse makes a commitment involving the other without discussing it first. It can also include things such as a weekly family night, remodeling plans or vacation ideas. Each of these encourages “walking together” as a couple or family.

Think about the satisfaction you feel when you’ve checked each and every item off your “to-do” list, or about that sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving a larger goal. Setting goals for marriage and family can have the same effect. Accomplishing these goals can also bring a deep sense of togetherness and unity.

Assess the following areas of marriage and family as you consider how closely you and your spouse are “walking together “:

FINANCES: savings, tithing, debt reduction, retirement planning, investments, college preparation.

CHILD REARING: overall discipline, potty training, driving privileges, curfews, dating, family devotions, relating to adult children

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS: whose house? how often? how long?

HOUSING DECISIONS: remodeling, yard, decorating projects

VACATION IDEAS: who decides location? alone or with family? hotel or camping?

MINISTRY: to church families? focus on outreach? ministry to extended family? ministry beyond our local church?

HEALTH AND FITNESS: meal planning, exercise routines, eating out vs cooking at home.

Individually, these categories for agreement may not seem like such a huge deal. But when taken as a whole, they can spell the difference between unity and division in your marriage.

Q. In what areas do you and your spouse find yourselves in agreement? In what areas do you disagree, and why?

Hope this devotion will help us in “walking together” in areas where we are still struggling, in our marriage or family.