The Process of Marriage
Getting married is an event. Staying married is a process. That is why it is called a “marriage relationship.” Understanding that relationships are the keys to life are easier said than done. It takes work to understand the process and to work the process. Our personal relationship with God is a work in process. God is doing His part in providing, listening to our constant pleas for help, and being patient with our lazy responses to His directions. We all know and realize that and so must resolve to do our part. Ephesians 2:10 teaches us that we are “His Workmanship” created in Christ Jesus to do “Good Works”. So what are our “good works?”
Well, they begin by seeing our “relationship” development as a “partnership”. A partnership describes “how” we are related to one another in that relationship. In other words, we are “working together” in a common purpose with a common plan, in a common process. God’s Word teaches us in Ephesians 1:11-12:
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. (NIV)
The term that is used in scripture in Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:8, Ephesians 5:31 to describe the marriage relationship as “one flesh” define that partnership with each other in marriage. The term that is used in scripture in 1 Corinthians 12:9-13, Ephesians 2:18 and 4:4, to define our spiritual relationship as “one spirit” defines our partnership with God. But both define the process of our relationship with both. Thus we see the importance of God in the center of all relationships at all times.
great thoughts Dr. Baldwin because marriage is a work in progress. Marriage doesn't work out on its own but rather marriages work because we work at them as unto God's glory. I love the analogy of our relationship with God mirroring our marriage relationship which is a constant evolving process. I think in this culture people give up for marriage to without working the principles outlined in God's word.
ReplyDeletePastor Garry:
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about the process of marriage, it’s like building a house. The most important structure is the foundation. If it’s not strong it cannot hold or handle the weight that is placed on or within it. The marriage; likewise, must have a solid foundation –Jesus as its cornerstone to bear up and withstand all that will prevail against it.
A house is built with walls and compartments, too many walls the home seems to be cramped or closed off with no open flow to it. If there are emotional, physical walls put up within a marriage it too will create divisions, barriers and the partners become closed off from each other.
The only walls that should be up in a marriage are the ones that keep outside interference blocked, like the exterior walls of a house, for its protection.
Love is the open floor plan in marriage without the flow of love there is no communication and harmony.
In the process of building a strong and long lasting marriage it is important to have all the necessary tools and resources to draw from. These are love, patience, long suffering, meekness, gentleness, forgiveness, truth, compassion, faithfulness, trust, kindness, laughter, peace, joy, support, encouragement, humility, dates, make out sessions and great sex to name a few.
The source to draw these things from is Jesus, Master, Savior and King. The best marriage house builder I know.
Winnie
First and foremost, marriage is a sacred covenant entered into before God. And as well, marriage is truly a process and calls for God to be in the center of your relationship. God has to be the foundation and core of your marriage. And we should have the understanding that the essence of a covenant marriage is that two people become one. The Bible says, “They are no longer two but one flesh” (Matthew 19:6).
ReplyDeleteHowever, in order for all that to be as such, husband and wife must have a relationship with God to have a good relationship with each other. I agree that just as our personal relationship with God is a process, the same holds true for our relationships with each other. God highly honors marriage which was in fact instituted at Creation as it was pointed out in Genesis 2:24. I am reminded of Philippians 1:6 which says, “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (ESV). Having God in the process of our relationships means that God will help us work through our relationships.