27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it”.
The foundation of marriage begins with God, as we mentioned yesterday. When we discuss the will of God in our relationships, Christians must recognize the divine purpose. “For since all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) We are two people who struggle with our old natures; We do not act the way we want to or should. We face all the challenges as any other couple. In fact, there may be a few added pressures on our marriage, as a pastor and wife, that some marriages do not face. But every marriage has its pressures. Marriage is too complex for anyone who thinks he/she has mastered the art.
I find it discouraging, how many pastors also experience divorce. The concept of just loving Jesus and all your problems will be avoided is wishful thinking. I asked a young man, who was engaged, what made him think he will have a happy married life together. He was stumped and answered what most eventually say- “Because we are in love.”
“Good” then what? “She is beautiful”. -long pause. Then what?
All couples begin in love but apparently more than half fall out of love. For those who marry for beauty and attractiveness, find someone sooner or later who is more so. How quickly a commitment changes.
should not take lightly what Jesus said in Matthew 19: 4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”. To ignore that teaching has serious consequences and hurts for years to come with all family members.
Like all relationships it takes work. It is not always easy. It carries lots of pain that might be avoided if both people took very seriously their relationship with the Lord. To be clear, God chooses some to be single in ministry. I Cor 7:25-38
Colossians 3:17 is a key to not only direct our individual lives, but our marriages together as the two become one. The journey is a spiritual one with committed Christian husbands and wives. When we covenant before God and our friends to remain faithful to one another, we are not naïve. It takes three-a husband, a wife and the Lord.
When I was single, I was afraid to get married I think for three reasons. First, I enjoyed my freedom and living the way I wanted
I was in ministry as a youth pastor and it became very hard for me to realize how I could work in time with a wife or family with ministry demands. I was finishing up my studies at the same time.
Thirdly, I was afraid of divorce. I knew if I went into the ministry, which I believed God called me to, a divorce would ruin my future. The right type of wife is especially important in ministry.
Application: If you are single, ask God how He wants you to serve Him. If you are married, ask God how He wants you and your mate to serve Him. The essence of both is to serve God.
Lord, You are the God of all my relationships. You are the strength to both single and married. Isaiah 54:5 - For thy Maker is thine husband;
*****************************
If you wish to get the fuller version of this daily devotion, send a request via email to pastordale@outlook.com
