Faith, the key to marriage.
Someone once asked “Is faith necessary in marriage?” It is if you are to experience what God intended marriage to be. Besides, we could never comprehend the spiritual significance of “shall become one flesh” without God’s Spirit to teach us.
Without faith there would not be a desire or strength to comply with God’s will in marriage. “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” “ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her,…” (Ephesians 5:22; 25) Try that without faith! Even with faith obedience is sketchy until we mature in Christ.
In time we learn that behind every commandment and Biblical instruction there are Divine reasons that are discovered through faithful obedience. In many ways faith precedes our understanding. It seems our Father often poses the question, “Do you trust Me?”
Established in the garden.
”…..your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16)
Without faith men do not understand that love is the prime motivator of the Sovereign God who rules over His creation. Without this knowledge men fail to exercise their dominion according to the Divine pattern. They are more inclined to enslave than to cherish their wives.
An interesting question from Sajid in Pakistan. “What if a man bought his wife? Would she not be his property?” Vicki immediately answered, and I will tell you what I heard. Were we not purchased with the blood of Christ? Do we not belong to Him? Yes, and we are loved as he should love his purchased wife.
With time and maturity the Christian husband discovers his sacred purpose in marriage. Sanctification! They are called to love their wives just as Christ loved the church. He gave Himself completely for the sake of His bride.
“So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:26-27) That is how and why a man is supposed to love his wife, “just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
Through obedient sacrifice, enabled by the love of God, husbands are to participate in their wives sanctification. Our part is to accept, respect, nurture, encourage, honor and with all patience show love to our wife. God will do the rest. When obedient, men discover that their life is blessed by a wife’s desire for her husband.
Spiritual gifts.
Remember that we become one flesh. Our service in God’s kingdom is united. We may express our gifts in different ways, times and places, but not without the encouragement and prayers of our mate who rejoices in our God given victories. I am reminded of a saying on a “Precious Moments” cup, “How can two walk together unless they agree.”
Sharing our perspectives in every spiritual situation that requires a decision is essential. Talk it out with receptive ears, the goal is to be of one mind. Though a husband leads it should never be with a rope dragging an unwilling wife. One flesh, one Spirit and one Lord; marriage as God designed.
Father, You have graciously instructed Your children through the words of Your prophets, apostles and Son how to live abundant and satisfying lives. In Jesus’ name I pray that we all heed these words and reap the peace and joy You have intended for all of Your married children. Thank You.
His Family Table 