Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, June 8, 2017

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This is devotional thought number four 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.

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” (Ephesians 5:31).

I have great news! If you can count, are willing to accept God’s guidance, and surrender your will to Him, you will make a great spouse.

What is one plus one? If your kindergartener is in the room with you reading over your shoulder, she answered, “Two!” Normally, I’d congratulate such a response. But what if God has a divine equation for marriage that supplies another answer? Since you already read our theme text, you know where I’m going with this.

In God’s divine order, good marriage is a union of two people, complete in their relationship with Him, who can complement one another in life and ministry until Jesus comes. One plus one equals holy unity (one).

Far too often, men and women take steps into the uncharted territory of marriage with little or no concept of wholeness or unity. Some choose to stumble into the hallowed corridors of marriage fragmented, doubtful, parasitical, selfish, abusive, and unwilling to make adjustments to benefit the relationship. God’s ideal is that we find our wholeness in Him and then become a fruitful contributor to the development of our mates. When two powerful individuals surrender to God and adjoin their lives for common purposes, mutual love, honor, and respect, no matter the trials they will inevitably face, they become the portrait of relationship with Him. They become the epitome of union between heaven and earth.

This is no fairy tale. God is fully aware that we are faulty human beings. He understands even more than we do that we are but dust. However, He has immense plans for us and has supplied the power we need to represent Him well. Although the terrible marriage statistics are staggering, there are countless couples who take up the charge to unify for the benefit of their families, their faith communities, and the larger society. Strong families build strong communities. We need to be willing to put self aside, continually trust God for His strength, and treasure our spouses. If we do so, we can reflect God’s perfect image to the world, and provide hope to those who have lost faith in marriage.

In God’s order, marriage means one plus one equals harmony and honor, love, and power.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)