The Bottom Line

Scripture Texts: Philippians 1:1-18; Psalm 1

Paul writing from prison makes it clear the bottom line is Jesus. Whether we are in good times or bad we are to remain focused on Jesus. Even more Paul goes on to say that even if motives for preaching Jesus are not pure, there is value because Jesus is being proclaimed. However, we can be sure Paul's preference would be for the motives to be pure. Regardless the concern is that people get to hear the Good News of Jesus' life death and resurrection.

Our redemption through Christ is especially Good News when we read Psalm 1. God has very little tolerance for sin and is looking to separate the righteous from the sinful. For the Psalmist the key to righteousness is to focus on God's word and meditate on it. Then we will be like a tree with deep roots able to withstand the trials and drought that make us prone to sin.

All of this begs the question, what is the bottom line in your marriage? When all of the things of marriage are peeled away what is left? Since before we were dating the bottom line has been Christ. Through the years many things have changed, we now live at our seventh address after 16 years of marriage. One thing that has not changed is we do everything within our capacity to stay focused on Jesus.

The end result of this is our roots have grown deep. Trials have come to our lives over the years. Having Christ as the bottom line has not resulted in the easy life where everything works out just fine. What has happened is that as life ebbs and flows we have been able to weather the changes because of our focus on Christ.

Some of the ways we have found it helpful to keep Christ as the bottom line are:

• Regular devotional time as a couple and as individuals. 
• Attending worship weekly. 
• Making sure there is a regular missional outlet to our lives. 
• Praying for each other and those around us.
• Being intentional about Christ being our center
• Ruthlessly pursuing Christ as the bottom line in our lives and marriage