Marriage

Tuesday, January 28

Marriage   

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.  Proverbs 14:12

Marriage is the union of one man with one woman, voluntarily entered into for life, to the exclusion of all others. Although the secular definition has changed dramatically in recent years, this explanation fits very well with biblical principles, simply because that was where this definition of marriage was rooted (Matthew 19:4-6). God sees marriage as a special and sacred covenant, to deeply join two lives of the opposite sex, bringing precious companionship when honored. The world may choose to re-define marriage but the Bible remains an unchanging plumb-line of what God says is right.

Marriage is not just a negotiable human contract to meet perceived needs, however loving and well-intentioned the participants.

One thing I did not get to discuss in yesterday’s recap was the segment on the ‘S’ word. Submission. Scripture tells wives to submit and husbands to respect and love. Submission is not blind obedience, abusive, nor demanding. Recognizing the different attributes of men and women, God calls a wife to respect the leading of her husband, and for him to love his wife, with a heart of sacrifice (Ephesians 5:22-33).

After careful consideration of these commitments before God, the covenant of marriage should be initiated by public ceremony (John 2:2), and then sealed in private through sexual intercourse. Marriage is the only safe place, spiritually and physically, to give oneself to another in this intimate way. God also intended that a faithful marriage of a man and a woman would be an ideal and safe environment for the procreation and nurture of children, where they can be unconditionally loved, and wisely taught the ways of God.

Yes, it is sad the state of marriages in 2020 but, we the followers of Christ have a responsibility to uphold the principles and make it right. We don’t always get it right yet that should not stop us from trying. This precious institution was given to us by God as a foundation for a healthy society and we tamper with it at a huge cost.

Prayer for today: Father, teach us to uphold the true meaning of marriage and trust Your wisdom rather than our own. Amen.