It’s important to grow together spiritually, but one simply cannot rush their spouse or try to make them into something that they aren’t. Each person has to be pursuing personal growth themselves at their own pace.  My walk will not look like my husband’s walk, and that is okay.  If we are both seeking to grow spiritually as individuals, we will end up meeting and coming alongside each other on our journey toward personal growth and a spiritual relationship with God.

We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may … please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Colossians 1:9-10 NASB

My husband has just recently told me that he feels he needs to read the bible more.  He feels this very strongly and is beginning to go deeper with his relationship with God.  Up to this point, we have read, studied, and even prayed separately, with the exception of blessing the meal before we eat as a family.  Not wishing to intrude, I have just presented that if he would like, we can start reading the bible together as well as praying together.  He hesitated initially, but then he seemed to like the idea.  So, we are going to begin tonight in doing just that.

In the past, we have each been involved in small groups at church. He was in a men’s small group while I was in a women’s small group.  We met once a week, and it seemed to be what we needed at that season in our lives.  At another point, though, when we first started going to this one church in particular, we went together to a couple’s small group.  We have enjoyed both aspects involved in these small groups that we were a part of.

We have also gone out with other couples to enjoy each other’s company, but you have to be careful here.  The reason I say that is because if you and this other couple are not on the same page spiritually, one could cause the other to stumble along the way.  It is true in that it matters who you associate with because while you could help bring someone up, they have the potential to bring you down, too.  That is something that you do not need individually or as a couple.  Guard your hearts, minds, and your marriages!

Another way that we have grown together as well as individually is by reading books.  My husband and I are big into “self help” type books.  We enjoy reading relationship books, thus the reason we chose this particular book to write as our #write31days series for the month of October.  But, we also enjoy reading books to help each of us on our personal journey toward greatness!  We strive to improve and continue growing.

What are some ways that you can grow together and as individuals?

Join us tomorrow for … Remodeling the “Temple.”

For all posts in this series, click here.

Buy the book on Amazon: When Couples Walk Together: 31 Days to a Closer Connection