Purpose and Direction
Marriage
In this day and age, there is verifiable evidence to suggest that marriage can be a very stressful institution. Present statistics may be a reflection of our culture, but that is all they are. They are not a general guide to living. They offer nothing but black and white numbers that constantly change.
Marriage can be an exciting, vision-oriented and loving institution. There is possibly no greater functioning model of a marriage than that of Jesus and his bride, the church. I am sure at times - if not on a consistant and unrelenting basis - that the bride of Christ drives the nails of the cross deeper in to Jesus. However, Jesus continually intercedes for His bride; lays his life down for His bride; loves His bride. But what is the possibility of producing such a marriage as this, you may ask? To build such a marriage through self-importance and independence is not possible, but to surrender your marriage to the Lordship of Jesus will be the beginning of a great adventure!
Important directives in scripture relate how a husband and wife should relate to one another within the context of their marriage relationship. For example, first written is the responsibility of the husband. He is directed to love his wife as Jesus loves the church; in laying his life down for her. This is mentioned several different times in scripture as an admonishment to the husband, so that he can move toward reflecting Christ in the marriage relationship. In actual fact, it may be seen as an act of giving, or selflessness; first planted from the love of Christ.
Wives are also directed to submit to their husbands. In its simplest form, submission simply means to honor the one who leads. To honor the lead of her husband and to pray for her husband are both incredibly important actions. Why? As the church submits to the headship of Jesus, it finds direction and purpose. So as a wife submits to her husband, does she find freedom within the marriage relationship. However, submission does not imply that one becomes a "doormat." No. Such a counterfiet is an incorrect application of submission. Submission should always be spurred onwards by love.
Agape should embrace a marriage and spill out in overflow to those who surround the two. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says; 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects. always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.'
With the above having been stated, daily business, finances, health and family and various other stressors, may often cause confusion and unloving feelings toward ones spouse. Sound familiar?!! Sometimes we become so busy with the ebb and flow of life that we forget that our spouse was actually created to be our helpmate. Most commonly, during our greatest seasons of stress, a helpmate can be seen as more of a hinderance. However, if it could only be realised that our differences are actually gifts given by God to fill in the blanks of our lack! If we could only give God credit for knowing our needs, then maybe we could appreciate one another as gifts!
As men and women, one of the most confusing differences we face, centers upon our differing abilities to communicate. Sometimes deciphering and comprehending what the other person is trying to say is completely simple, however, at other times communication can be hard work. In order to understand this perplexity a little more, please view the following videos:
Marriage Help and Support Christianity Today: Offers advice and insight articles on marriage builders.
Covenant Marriage Movement
Focus on the Family
Marriage Builder's: This site features audio clips, articles, questionnaires and a coaching center to help married couples build a stronger marriage.
Marriage Crisis Counseling
The Best Marriage
Save My Marriage: Help and practical advice for marriage recovery and healthy marriage.
In this day and age, there is verifiable evidence to suggest that marriage can be a very stressful institution. Present statistics may be a reflection of our culture, but that is all they are. They are not a general guide to living. They offer nothing but black and white numbers that constantly change.
Marriage can be an exciting, vision-oriented and loving institution. There is possibly no greater functioning model of a marriage than that of Jesus and his bride, the church. I am sure at times - if not on a consistant and unrelenting basis - that the bride of Christ drives the nails of the cross deeper in to Jesus. However, Jesus continually intercedes for His bride; lays his life down for His bride; loves His bride. But what is the possibility of producing such a marriage as this, you may ask? To build such a marriage through self-importance and independence is not possible, but to surrender your marriage to the Lordship of Jesus will be the beginning of a great adventure!
Important directives in scripture relate how a husband and wife should relate to one another within the context of their marriage relationship. For example, first written is the responsibility of the husband. He is directed to love his wife as Jesus loves the church; in laying his life down for her. This is mentioned several different times in scripture as an admonishment to the husband, so that he can move toward reflecting Christ in the marriage relationship. In actual fact, it may be seen as an act of giving, or selflessness; first planted from the love of Christ.
Wives are also directed to submit to their husbands. In its simplest form, submission simply means to honor the one who leads. To honor the lead of her husband and to pray for her husband are both incredibly important actions. Why? As the church submits to the headship of Jesus, it finds direction and purpose. So as a wife submits to her husband, does she find freedom within the marriage relationship. However, submission does not imply that one becomes a "doormat." No. Such a counterfiet is an incorrect application of submission. Submission should always be spurred onwards by love.
Agape should embrace a marriage and spill out in overflow to those who surround the two. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says; 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects. always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.'
With the above having been stated, daily business, finances, health and family and various other stressors, may often cause confusion and unloving feelings toward ones spouse. Sound familiar?!! Sometimes we become so busy with the ebb and flow of life that we forget that our spouse was actually created to be our helpmate. Most commonly, during our greatest seasons of stress, a helpmate can be seen as more of a hinderance. However, if it could only be realised that our differences are actually gifts given by God to fill in the blanks of our lack! If we could only give God credit for knowing our needs, then maybe we could appreciate one another as gifts!
As men and women, one of the most confusing differences we face, centers upon our differing abilities to communicate. Sometimes deciphering and comprehending what the other person is trying to say is completely simple, however, at other times communication can be hard work. In order to understand this perplexity a little more, please view the following videos:
Marriage Help and Support Christianity Today: Offers advice and insight articles on marriage builders.
Covenant Marriage Movement
Focus on the Family
Marriage Builder's: This site features audio clips, articles, questionnaires and a coaching center to help married couples build a stronger marriage.
Marriage Crisis Counseling
The Best Marriage
Save My Marriage: Help and practical advice for marriage recovery and healthy marriage.