What's Separating You?

Published April 7, 2026

I was in a prayer room years ago when a friend of mine, Joshua Finley, said something that rang so true:

“Out of a land of great distraction, I am raising up a people of great devotion.”

I believe God is doing that in our lifetime. Distractions mark our current culture as never before. I remember we had 4 channels on television when I was a child. Today, there are myriad channels, not to mention YouTube, Facebook, etc. Yet I believe these distractions have overplayed their hands as many turn to God for real connection.

Because the enemy of our souls knows the power of a united family, he uses the tools of distraction to fray the fabric of family life. Devils seek to bring disunity to husbands and wives who are one through marriage. Scripture teaches this truth clearly:

"And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” Matthew 19:5-6

At first glance, this passage warns couples not to allow their parents to cause disunity in their marriage. But a closer look tells us, “let no one split apart what God has joined together.” We do not have to be scholars to know “no one” means nothing should separate a husband and wife who are one in Christ.

Yet, it happens all the time to couples. Jobs become more important. News becomes more important. Hobbies become more important. Sports become more important. The children become more important. The list of things that can separate us is endless.

So, how do we fight for our unity? I would like to suggest one thought that has worked for me and my wife: learn to build a common vocabulary that you both understand.

What do I mean? Common vocabulary is built on common experiences, common thoughts, and conversations that reflect a growing understanding of God’s Word.

The crux of this is a growing understanding of God’s Word. Here are two practices we’ve built into our lives over time:

  1. We read the same Scriptures each morning and write comments on these passages (the YouVersion Bible App has this capability) to each other.
  2.  I read one book at a time in small portions as my wife prepares breakfast. These books are based on God’s Word, and the author’s thoughts and experiences with the Bible (right now we’re reading Henry Cloud’s latest book, “Why I Believe”).

I encourage you to explore ideas with your spouse to build a common vocabulary around God’s Word, or borrow one of ours. Let His Word build the unity you both deeply need as a couple.

In Christ,

Pastor Eric (Marriage & Family Pastor)