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Biblical Principles and Marriage
By Brian | June 14, 2008
A while back I heard a preacher explaining that divorce is not permitted. He went on to say that when pastors are performing marriage counseling they need to make clear to the couple that the Word does not permit divorce, except under the situation of adultery. Interestingly enough my wife, who is divorcing me, lives with this exact same pastor, but I’ll leave my post on hypocrisy for another day.
The fact is marriage is incredibly important to God. The Lord abhors divorce! Why, then, is it so visible in our society today? Well, I think a number of factors come into play. There is, of course, the fallen world argument. Yes, we do live in a fallen world where so many things are taken for granted. Pornography isn’t exactly a big marriage booster. Even in the smaller things, though, our priorities are incredibly skewed. For instance, many in ministry place the church before there spouse. Why is that? The commonly accepted biblical priorities begin with the Lord, than our spouse, then, together on the third tier, our children, families, churches, etc. There’s a good reason for this.
When we place others before our spouse, whether those others be a church, a family, our friends, or anyone else we really are placing their value above our spouse and, let’s face it, if our spouse feels unvalued lots of bad things can happen. Affairs happen. Divorces happen. Broken homes, hurt children, and the Lord is certainly not glorified in those things. When, as Christians, we are not glorifying the Lord, something is very, very wrong with our focus. Our priorities are incredibly skewed.
Of course the first in the list of priorities is God and that is incredibly important as well. If both halves of the marriage are focused on the most important priority what strife occurs will be minimal. There will always be problems within a marriage but when both members are truly focused on the Lord, are praying together and listening together, they will be brought into unison. I can tell you first hand that praying together is incredibly important in your marriage. If you haven’t prayed with your spouse today then grab them, right now, and do so. Despite all that’s going on in my life I was privileged to pray with my wife today. Many times I could have but I didn’t. Those are the mistakes we learn from.
Lastly, do you remember those vows that you made? Have and to hold, death do you part, sickness and in health? Did you stand in a church and make those vows before God? Think about that a minute. You may have said those vows to your spouse but you made them before God. Your accountable not to your spouse, but to Him. Have you considered repeating them? Many couples hold a second ceremony in their lives to renew their vows and that’s a wonderful thing to do, but did you consider doing that right now? Is there any reason not to? Pray with your spouse, and while your praying, renew those vows you made. Renew them for the Lord, for yourself, and for your marriage.
Topics: Husband, Love, Marriage |