MARRIAGE & FAMILY: The ROOT that Builds Legacy

Watch this short welcome by pastor Larry.

Day 4 Devotional MARRIAGE & FAMILY – The Root That Builds Legacy

Scripture Readings:

Genesis 2:24 – "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

Ephesians 5:25 – "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Hebrews 13:4 – "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."

KEY THOUGHT

When we talk about living a strong, rooted life, we can’t ignore one of God’s oldest and most powerful institutions, marriage and family. Long before sin entered the world, before churches, governments, or even the written law, God gave us marriage. It was His idea. A gift. A foundation. A root.

Marriage and family aren’t just personal choices but divine designs that build stability, purpose, and generational legacy. They are a root system designed by God to grow strong lives.

Devotional

The Bible says in Genesis 2:24 that a man shall leave his parents and cleave to his wife, and they will become one. This is the first mention of marriage in Scripture, and what theologians call the "Law of First Mention"—a principle that shows how a truth introduced in Genesis will carry through the entire Bible.

Marriage is not a trend or a lifestyle choice. It’s a foundational root that God planted deep into the soil of humanity. From the very beginning, marriage was about more than two people. It was about covenant, legacy, and the building of lives and families that reflect God's heart.

Jesus honored marriage, too. Remember the woman at the well in John chapter four? Jesus said to her, "You’ve had five husbands, and the man you are with now is not your husband." He wasn’t shaming her, He was showing that legal marriage matters. 

Jesus recognized the difference between real covenant and casual connections.

Ephesians 5:25 shows us the depth of marriage. Husbands are to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church. Marriage is meant to be more than romance; it’s a relationship where you give your life for someone else.

Culture may try to redefine, delay, or devalue marriage, but the church must lift marriage high. God’s Word doesn’t change, and His design for marriage still builds the strongest homes, the healthiest kids, and the most enduring legacy.

Marriage and family aren’t perfect. There are hurts and struggles. But they’re worth fighting for. They are worth honoring. They are a root that builds legacy.

Reflection:

• Are you building a legacy or just living for the moment?

• Do you honor marriage like God does—even in conversation or how you live?

• What kind of legacy are you growing right now?

Practical Application:

• If you're married, take time to pray with your spouse today. Speak life over your home.

• If you're single: Start preparing now, emotionally, spiritually, and financially, to be the kind of person who builds a legacy.

• Reach out to someone in your family today. Restore connection if needed.

• Spend time reading Ephesians 5 together as a family or couple.

Marriage and family are the root that will either rot or grow depending on how you care for it. Don't let culture define your view; let God’s Word set your standard. Build your life on something that lasts.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the ROOT of marriage and family. Help me honor Your design. Teach me to build with wisdom, humility, and faith. Heal what is broken. Strengthen what is weak. And let my life, my home, and my future be a legacy of Your love.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

I would love to hear from you. Please subscribe below and then leave a comment or a question, and I will get back to you.

God bless, Larry

Here is the segment of the sermon for today.

A Segment of Larry's Teaching

We hope to see you tomorrow for Day 5: FAITHFULNESS: The Root that Builds Leaders