ODJ: the fight for marriage
December 19, 2010
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude (v.8).
READ: 1 Peter 3:1-12
The fight for godly marriages has raged since the fall in Eden, but in the past few years, my husband and I have become increasingly aware that the battle lines begin at our doorstep. Seeing some of our friends divorce and others separate has left us wishing for the innocence of days gone by. As we prepare to celebrate our fifteenth anniversary, we are so grateful for the work God has done in our marriage—for the gift we’ve been given.
God established marriage as a means of procreation (1:28), companionship (2:18), and as a reflection of God’s selfless love (1 Peter 3:8; Ephesians 5:25). In short, it’s so much deeper than anything this world can demonstrate to us.
We can feel dismay when we see what is taking place in the political and public arena regarding the state of marriage. When we see friends and family members struggle in their marital relationships, it can grieve us. And we’re left with this vital question: How are we passionately protecting our own marriages?
To keep our marital bonds strong, we should: • Invest - The greatest amount of time and investment should be in our relationship with God. Then, our relationship with our spouse must receive the second most investment—more than other relationships (1 Peter 3:1-2). • Trust - We must trust God with changes we desire to take place in our spouse (v.5,7-8). It’s vital that we place our life on the altar and focus on how He wants us to change. • Guard - Our interactions with members of the opposite sex must be pure and holy (vv.11-12). Unity in marriage means no hidden places.
Let’s honor God by protecting our marriages. They’re worth the fight. —Regina Franklin
If you’re married, how can you strengthen the condition of your marriage? If you’re single, how can you strengthen your relationship with your first love—God?
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