Marriage is depicted as a beautiful picture of Christ and the Church and is said to be a great mystery. Wives are to submit to the authority of their husbands as the church submits to Christ and husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. Both commands are tall orders, right? Showing mutual love and respect for one another is essential to any happy marriage.
When I first considered writing this blog post I said to Robert something to the effect, “I think I can sum up our marital felicity these past 43 years in just two words: ‘Christ and Grace’ -What do you think?” Without hesitation, he said, “Honey, I’ve never known you to say anything in just two words.”
On that note, these are some things we’ve learned together over the years.
- LOVE GOD MOST
“And He said to him, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.'” Matthew 22:37
A happy Christian marriage must be a Christ-centered marriage. If you are a single Christian and have considered marrying someone who is not a believer please read 2 Cor.6:14. However, if you’re already married to an unbeliever the Bible says to be content and stay put (with the exception of special circumstances like infidelity or abuse). I Cor. 7:13-14
- CHERISH GOD’S WORD
“Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11
Always hold God’s Word in the highest regard. The Bible is God’s revealed Word and is without error. It is the way God communicates with us and is completely sufficient to guide us in all matters pertaining to godly living. 2 Tim. 3:16. Read it. Memorize it. Saturate your mind with sound doctrine. Test everything in life against it.
- PRAY, PRAY, PRAY
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Susannah Wesley, mother of the beloved hymnist Charles Wesley, had 19 children, nine of which died in infancy. She was noted for her fervent prayer life but finding a quiet place for her was impossible. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop her and her children knew it was time to be quiet when she threw her apron over her head to pray.
- STAY IN CHURCH
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
Plug into a good Bible teaching church and be faithful to honor the Lord’s Day by gathering with His people. Don’t get flaky about this. Too many Christians allow sports, recreation, or a bad church experience to sabotage their corporate worship. If you have children it is essential that they understand not only the Gospel and sound doctrine, but why Sunday worship takes priority.
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