Wisdom for Marriage预览

Honor Marriage

Marriage is a sacred institution of God, and it is not to be taken lightly or treated with disrespect. It is easier in most cases to get a marriage license than a driver’s license, but this does not give you a license to live a reckless marriage.

To honor marriage means there is an understanding of commitment and a preparation for its success. Marriage requires much more than love. It is not just a convenient way for sex, and it doesn't threaten divorce when things get hard. Marriage is a lifetime of dedication to one person. Just as Jesus is committed to His bride, the church, for eternity (Revelation 19:7), so you remain faithful to your spouse. 

Moreover, keep your marriage bed pure. You honor marriage when you keep the Lord's definition—a man and a woman exclusively devoted and in love with each other—under the submission of Almighty God. Do not chase after a fantasy of sexual perfection with someone other than your spouse. Sex outside of marriage is wrong, and it breaks the heart of God and crushes the spirit of your spouse. 

It is not a casual infraction, for its effects last a lifetime. However, leave it to God and a scriptural process on how and when to judge the adulterer. Hold back your rocks of verbal assault and forgive (John 8:3-11). Most importantly, prevent unfaithfulness by keeping your marriage bed pure and honorable and by falling deeper and deeper in love with the man or woman God has given you. 

Lastly, create boundaries together, such as committing to one another that divorce is not an option. This fidelity to your mate starves fear, intimidation, and manipulation. Furthermore, agree to never be alone with someone of the opposite sex. This is a way to honor each other and to not find yourselves in compromising situations. 

At the very least, you will avoid the appearance of evil. A marriage discipline of fidelity takes effort, definition, and accountability. Yes, you trust your wife or husband, but do not be naive to think that temptation, Satan, or other lonely souls are not out to snare your spouse (Proverbs 7:10-23). Be on the offensive by planning purity. 

One way to plan purity is to honor your spouse with your words. Words of disappointment and dissatisfaction about your spouse—shared indiscreetly with the opposite sex—fuel the fires of unfaithfulness. Unfaithfulness starts with words, is furthered by indiscretion, and is executed by actions facilitated over a meal or a walk with a "friend." 

Therefore, remain true to your marriage vows and your marriage mate by exercising love and respect. Be smart and create a robust love life, for a satisfying sex life at home is a strong preventative to adultery outside the home. Above all, honor your marriage by first honoring God.