One of the truly happy and positive experiences of preaching the gospel is the great privilege of
uniting people in marriage. I don’t know how many weddings I have performed over the years, but
as I think back on them, they always bring a smile of joy. It’s truly a special day when two people
pledge to live the rest of their lives together, supporting and loving each other according to God’s
plan for a happy home. I had the privilege last Saturday of marrying Greg Lantz and Stacy
Thompson (pictured), and the occasion brought again to my mind the beauty of God’s plan.
I try to remind people often that God is the inventor of marriage, and He designed it for our
happiness and fulfillment. If we approach marriage and live our married lives in accordance with
his sacred principles and guidance, there is a fulfillment and happiness unparalleled in all other
human relationships. The joy of married life can be ours if our marriages are built upon God’s
word and if Jesus Christ is firmly included in the relationship.
Even though our current culture has seriously departed from many of God’s guidelines for
marriage, we can improve things as we return to his word. It’s not too late to make your marriage
even better!
We have a special opportunity to enrich our marriages, and gain deeper, biblical insights
into how to enjoy the blessings God has provided for us. I hope every member will take full
advantage of the marriage seminar beginning next Sunday, (see Page 3).
Strong, biblical marriages, require a foundation in God’s word. We must recognize that God
designed marriage to be for one man, with one woman, for life. “He who made them from the
beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and
mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. So that they are no more
two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder,” (Mt. 19:4-
6). Marital happiness is not found in unfaithfulness, or by flirting with infidelity. This is true
regardless of what the current culture teaches. It is neither a mark of maturity nor open-mindedness
to be unfaithful to our spouse. Neither is it wise or desirable to participate in activities which lead
in that direction.
Biblical marriages require healthy communication. The Christian husband’s best friend is
his Christian wife, in whom he can trust and confide. He enjoys spending time with her above all
others, and she is never as comfortable as when in his special company. They speak openly and
honestly with each other, they plan together, and they enjoy hearing the thoughts and dreams of
each other. There is little occasion for quarreling and bickering between friends who communicate
so effectively.
But marriage is more than a friendship. It is a commitment of the highest order. It is a
decision to invest the balance of our lives in each other. It is an unwavering determination to see
our spouse excel and succeed in life. Building a home together must be done from the unselfish
angle of cherishing someone more than we cherish our own life. Marriage is a pure demonstration
of true, biblical love. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or
rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at
wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things.,” (1 Cor. 13:4-7ESV).
Your marriage can be great in Jesus Christ. Look to Him, and grow toward Him, and in
doing so you will grow together throughout your married life!
Your Marriage
