One of the greatest myths that have been told is that of marriage. "And they lived happily ever after". The only couples that will live “happily ever after” are those who, as soon as they are pronounced husband and wife, will hear the trumpet sound and are translated right into heaven in the rapture.
Most people enter into marriage with the notion that they are going to change one another. The reality is, we cannot change another person. We can only change and adjust our own attitudes, actions and reactions.
So, the question this week is: “Marriage for Happiness or Holiness?” The answer to that really needs to begin with another question. Are you committed to having your marriage be a reflection of Christ and His bride, or will you try to figure out how to work on things outside of this great mystery?
The relationship that we have with Christ is often paralleled to the relationship of a husband and wife. Jesus often referred to Himself as the Bridegroom, and the church as His bride. From the foundation of the world, God created marriage to teach us about the reality of His eternal covenant and faithfulness toward us. He desires that we commit our lives to Him and Him alone when He said, You must not have any other god but me. (Ex. 20:3).
And now He has given us marriage as an earthly model of that covenant. To truly understand the marriage relationship is to begin to understand our heavenly relationship with Christ. Marriage is not of human design, but it is a holy commitment that joins two people together for life. Happiness can and should be a part of the life of two believers who are truly committed to God and one another. But Holiness is the foundation upon which the house must be built.
May our lives always reflect this glorious truth for all to see.
Please join us over at E-Moms to see what others have to say on this topic. Thanks so much for stopping by today.
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16 comments:
Susan,
I have to run over to the hospital & cheer Gene on during PT, but wanted to say "hi" real quick. Thanks for all your prayers. You are such an encouragement to me. Can't wait to hug you! Oh, we go home today...fever & all. No pneumonia so yah! :)
Love you much,
Lelia
"Holiness is the foundation on which the house is built." Oh AMEN! Well said. Bless you for sharing this week.
I so agree with you here! It sure makes a difference if we are committed to Christ and that works thru our marriage!!
God Bless!
Amy
Amen!
And that cartoon really made me laugh :)
~blessings.
Susan,
I had to giggle at the cartoon as well. Too funny. You and I were tracing along the same lines.
This post is well done and filled with the truth of God's plan for marriage.
Excellent.
My husband was talking about "unequally yoked" marriages recently and was discussing the passage that speaks of the husband being won by the wife's conversation (manner of living). All of a sudden that verse hit me and I thought of a whole new meaning. If my husband wasn't a believer, would he be won over by MY way of living?! That really hit home! So often we (okay at least I) don't think it matters because our (my) husband is already a Christian. But that's not how we should live! Hit me like a 2X4 in the head! Now...to put it into practice!
Excellent post! I also love the quote "Holiness is the foundation on which the house is built"! Soooo true! That is when happiness will follow! We find joy in being obediant to the Lord.
If only those within the church could grasp this. AMEN dear sister!
Hi Susan: thank you for your kind words. I had trouble with this month's topic because I have been a little busy and didn't feel like I gave it my "all". I am glad you liked it! I always love yours! You are very wise...I always learn alot by visiting your blog! God bless you...
Faith
"To truly understand the marriage relationship is to begin to understand our heavenly relationship with Christ". I'll just add an loud and hearty AMEN to that!
Michele
These are some wonderful thoughts. Thank you for sharing them!
Great job, I enjoyed reading this. I would agree, our commitment to Christ first makes all the difference.
I enjoyed your post! You have a very clear and easy style.
I like the way you summed it all up by stating that holiness as a foundation to happiness. Indeed, Christ's faithfulness is a source of great joy and happiness (and security) to his Bride, the church. "For lo, I will never leave you nor forsake you." What a promise!
And how true this statement is (at least for women). Most people enter into marriage with the notion that they are going to change one another.
That was me, for sure! As you pointed out, the only person we can really change is ourselves. I discovered that when positive changes occur in my life, my husband often follows in kind. Now I try to set the example, while saying very little.
Thanks for contributing to Marriage Monday today, Susan. Your loving maturity is an asset to this group.
Blessings! e-Mom :~D
Ouch! Stepped on my toes there dearie! Great devotion. Thank-you!
Great post! I do love how God uses marriage to represent Himself and the bride.
Blessings,
Angela
Happily ever after....can't happen without God right in the middle can it...I've seen plenty try!!
"Holiness IS the foundation on which the house is built...." NOW that is on for the files...better yet...printed up in a BEAUTIFUL font and placed on the wall.....I LOVE IT!!!!!
You have a gift girl.....a real gift!!
hugs,
lori
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