REPOST:
THE MINISTRY OF MARRIAGE pt. 2
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 NIV
THE MINISTRY OF MARRIAGE pt. 2
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 NIV
We have seen the world's distorted view of marriage…soap operas, romantic comedies, celebrity pairings, bride-zillas and a multi-billion dollar wedding industry has force fed us a warped, unrealistic view of marital bliss. But once the party is over and all the guests are gone, who are that husband and wife to each other and what is the game plan for a fulfilling life together?
Unfortunately many couples do not plan past the wedding day and are left to blindly navigate their way through a path that often leads to resentment, contention and ultimately divorce. So how can a marriage last beyond the final payment on the loan that financed the wedding? By realizing that marriage is a ministry and a partnership, and is more about what is given than what is received.
Unfortunately many couples do not plan past the wedding day and are left to blindly navigate their way through a path that often leads to resentment, contention and ultimately divorce. So how can a marriage last beyond the final payment on the loan that financed the wedding? By realizing that marriage is a ministry and a partnership, and is more about what is given than what is received.
Accepting marriage as a ministry is not for the selfish or faint of heart. In our society, it does not take much to get married…a trip to the courthouse will do. But to have a satisfying marriage that brings fulfillment to both husband and wife requires strength, patience, will power and a heart for giving. And forget about that 50/50 thing; at some point it may be 77/23, 60/40, or 5/95. Someone will always give more in one area than another, so stop keeping score! The Bible says that love does not boast and keeps no record of wrong doing (see 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5).
The Bible also says that love is not self seeking. So if the purpose of marriage is a pretty wedding day, to have guilt free sex, a way to prevent loneliness or to not be the last one left in the singles ministry, then it is time to re-think some priorities. Marriage is a partnership that is upheld by God (see Matthew 19:6); so it is no longer about “me, me, me” or individual desires. Marriage is about “we,” which means putting self on the back burner and faithfully being of service to the union. A couple that serves God, and honors one another is an example of what it means to minister; and this builds a foundation for their children (see Proverbs 22:6). People, we must renew our minds about what it means to be married; it is not to be taken lightly.Our children are watching and learning.
As complex as marriage can be, navigating through the path with a friend makes it easier and more fulfilling. Consider where you work. Is it the dream job or just a means to an end? A dream job is enjoyed; it produces excitement and a willingness to put in the time and energy. A job that is a means to an end is often approached with no passion and only the time required is given. The same thing applies to marriage…Spouses that genuinely enjoy each other are more likely to be of service to one another, and will work on sustaining their marriage. If marrying someone is a means to an end, then the marriage will begin to deteriorate with no one passionate enough to fight for it.
A fulfilling and lasting marriage is hard work and will involve many things on the part of both husband and wife. He must lead in love and she must submit to his leadership (see Ephesians 5:22, 25). Also the couple must assist each other, offer encouragement, have some appreciation and compassion, pay attention/listen, communicate openly, invest time, be sensitive to each other’s needs, embrace forgiveness, pray for each other...serve and above all…seek God in all things!
When we view marriage as a ministry it is more than the garden variety, boy meets girl, Hollywood-manufactured fairy tale. The intricacies of a Godly marriage run deeper than the debt of a wedding, and the intimacy surpasses mere sexual gratification. Marriage is a covenant relationship between husband, wife and God; and it should be something that the couple enjoys, not endures. There is no pre-cast molding for marriage; each one is as vastly different as the people in it. But there is one thing about marriage that is constant and unchanging; and that is the power of God and His word!
Prayer: Father God, open the hearts and minds of those that have been deceived by the enemy. Show us what it means to come before you in marriage. Help us to understand the service and selflessness required in marriage. Many have fallen short and need to be lifted by your word and your blessings, so please meet them at their need. We thank you for the loving unions that are an example of what you intended marriage to be and we pray that you will sustain those couples. We praise you for being merciful, and we call upon you as Counselor, Redeemer, and Savior of our marriages now and forever more. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to understand love and read Ephesians 5:21-33 to better understand marital roles.
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