God must come first, before our work or relationship with our spouse.  Having established that priority we need to remain flexible in any other commitment.  At times, some commitments needs to be laid aside in order to respond to one pressing on you.  At other times the need might be reversed.  Maturity enables us to respond wisely when such choices involve tension and misunderstanding.  When children are included the potential problem is compounded and tensions are intensified. 

Understanding of the issues involved in a given decision should be sought for all concerned.  Neglect of any area of commitment should be dealt with speedily.  Self-interest should be sacrificed. 

An effort should be made to help others understand when they will need to sacrifice as well.  The interest of all should be the bottom line.  The urgent must be tempered by the important.  The important should not make you unresponsive to the urgent.

Jesus pointed this out in Luke 10:25-37 when He told the parable of the Good Samaritan.  The good Samaritan was possibly on his way home from a business trip, and would be late because of taking time to meet this beaten stranger’s need.  Hopefully his wife and children understood.