Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, June 6, 2017

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This is devotional thought number two in our, “Purpose of Marriage” series.

Whether married or not, there is much for all of us to learn here, since marriage is a symbol of our relationship with God.

“And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.” (Genesis 3:12).

This is one of the few times I will not focus totally on the context of our verse. I’d like for you to indulge me, this one time, and narrow your focus to a critical phrase in Adam’s denial of responsibility for his own sin. Amid his weak-backed non-confession, and indictment of God, he did understand one thing—Eve was a gift from God. He said, “the woman you gave me…”

Again, I do realize that context is key, yet Adam fully embraced the fact that His Creator provided him a lifelong companion. He recognized that she was given to help complete him. He knew that she was to be the mother of all living. He found her so irresistible that he willingly accompanied her in her demise. He knew God was the Giver of this blessed gift, but somehow, he elevated the gift above the Giver. He chose to put connection with her above connection with God.

This is something with which we must all contend in our marriages. Will we allow our thankfulness to morph into gift worship? Will we seek God first? Will we esteem relationship with Him above all others?

So if you want to show God appreciation for your spouse, put Him first in your relationship. Ask Him to guide your thoughts, actions, and the details of your marriage. Ask Him to help you never to lead your spouse into sin or blame him or her for your actions. Ask Him to esteem your spouse in the way He does. If both spouses do so, your relationship will become a safe place, a relationship worthy of emulation, and a blessing to others.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)