The Christian Journey: Part 3 Marriage

Outside our relationship with God, no other relationship carries more weight in scripture than marriage.  In Ephesians 5:23-32 it is compared to the relationship between Christ and the Church. That is a pretty weighty comparison!

Unfortunately, marriage has seemingly lost its luster in our modern society.  Not only have forces been hard at work to redefine it, but many are choosing to forego marriage in favor of a variety of other relational options.  We are paying a high price for our abandonment of God's initial and eternal plan for this beautiful institution.

The toll being paid is found in several arenas.  The gradual destruction of the traditional home over the past 50+ years has been seen in a roughly 50% overall divorce rate that has immense implications for the children so often involved.  There is a tremendous emotional burden on the former spouses, not to mention the financial consequences of the legal proceedings and the resulting arrangements.  Often there are also implications to other relationships that may be strained due to friends/family members taking sides,

So what is the answer?  First it all starts with God.

I do not have all the other answers, and many would say that I likely don't have any.  But here are a few thoughts:

• Marriage needs to be valued - it is not intended to be disposable
• Marriage needs to be modeled for our children and our younger generations
• Marriage needs to look back at The Bible for its basis
• Dating should be more selective, you are not likely to marry someone you don't date
• Laugh if you will, but dating/courtship is really a job interview/audition process
• Get back to the basics (God-fearing, trust, loving, kind, sense of humor, provide/protect, compassionate) and away from physical appearances

Today think about what brought you into your marriage.  Then consider how to build upon those foundation blocks and if necessary begin repairs upon the structure you have built.  Understand that no good marriage was built overnight, and that most troubled marriages slipped in that direction slowly over time.  That being said any necessary repairs will also take time.

If your marriage is strong I am thankful, and you should be too.  I ask that you do all that you can to keep it going.  Our children and our society are counting on you.  If your marriage is troubled take a hard look and make the often difficult choices it takes to shore it up.

If you will do these things you will Make Today GREAT!