A GREAT MARRIAGE

Is it still possible?

Divorce is raging a serious battle within our homes and congregations. When a couple has been called to ministry I believe we have an obligation to uphold the marriage vows we speak, teach or preach about. I am thankful that we have been able to uphold our commitment to one another all these years. But I realize it is not because of us it is because of the Lord! Marriage God’s way does work. The Christian Marriage must include God's standards. I give Him full credit for keeping it uppermost in our minds the necessity of living out those vows we made. A great marriage helps you to strengthen your love, trust, intimacy, transparency and so much more. The path you walk is only as strong to the degree, you live out the very principles you talk about .

We after thirty eight years continue to refine our relationship. We have five (5) grown children four (4) who are married, as well as fifteen grandchildren! (this in itself amazes me at times) I say this because this is not just words for kudos. I realize that there is very serious spiritual warfare that continuously attempts to come against marriages. Therefore I want to encourage others to uphold God’s Design for The Christian Marriage. I am “Pro Marriage” ! This 21^st century has ushered in some strange and disturbing things in regards to marriage. Marriage is the first institution that was designed by God. His way was designed to last a lifetime. A great Christian marriage consists of one man and one woman united in Holy Matrimony. There is a special bond that takes place during this committed union. According to the Word of God “The two become one flesh”.

A great marriage consists of a relationship where mutual respect and love coexist. Intimacy in marriage is a crucial part of the relationship as well. Here is where you learn to become transparent. It is I also quite important that together you must build trust in your relationship. You must continue to seek the Lord and apply His Word within your marriage. When difficult or painful situations arise, and they will, together you must sincerely attempt to come to a resolution employing His principles. Don’t go into denial! Get creative! You must make a sincere attempt to take time to build a mutual, enjoyable, satisfying , environment together that will help you weather the storms of life. You must continually learn to nurture your relationship. If you have not begun to do so it is never too late to start.  It is important to be affectionate. To hold hands, touch, kiss, hug, hold  or gently caress and affirm your love for one another!  Touching is important it demonstrates you care!

You must learn to submit to one another. Submission is an act of love. It is during submission you learn to take into consideration the needs of one another as a priority. Submission requires discipline. You must learn to walk this path in a concerted cadence. Great marriages don’t just happen. It takes a willing, committed, man and woman to make a great marriage work. Today many change partners like trying on a new pair of shoes. They keep trying until …

Today it is somewhere between 55% - 60% of marriages that fail. This was not meant to be. The Word says “What God has joined together let not man put asunder.” I think there is just cause in saying that God’s principles have been left out of the equation. Somewhere along the line you have gotten off track. Many really do not honor their marriage vows. Were those vows just words? Or is now that the world has presented you with so many alternatives, you? This has a lot to do with why so many Christian marriages as well as non non Christian marriages going awry.

Each partner in the marriage has a moral responsibility to make the marriage flourish. What happened to all that commitment? A great marriage was not made to seem as though it was a sentence. It was designed to be a healthy, growing, mutually satisfying partnership!

When building a great marriage it is very important to keep the fires of desire burning. Do not allow the passion to fizzle out. Do not let people or things come between you! Continue to nurture and stir up the excitement you had spending time together. If it has fizzled rekindle the flame. Marriage Dating is great! Make sure you plan a date night! Allow one another some space as well. It is natural to do things apart that you enjoy too. That just makes you value the time when you come together that much more! A great marriage should be tended like a precious antique. It gets better with age … Each marriage is uniquely different. Together discover what is enjoyable and continue to add flavor to your relationship no matter what age you are. And yes, a great marriage is still possible! Remember It takes work! But always keep the flames of love, trust, respect, intimacy, transparency and fun going… Continue to find ways to build a loving, healthy, relaxing home environment. This is what creates an endless circle of LOVE! Yes! A Great Marraige is possible!