“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Ephesians 5:31-33 (ESV)
Marriage is the deepest and most meaningful of all human relationships. It is a profound relationship, with power to build up and give life, or destroy and cause enduring sadness. Christian marriage was designed by God before sin entered the world to join together a man and a woman for a lifetime. This formal and enduring relationship relates to having children, building families, growing spiritually growth, promoting the stability of society, and glorifying God. It cannot be redefined or remade in another way without violating God’s creation design.
Forming and cultivating a healthy marriage is not easy. Nearly every aspect of this fallen world presses against a happy marriage and seeks to tear it down. A healthy marriage must be cultivated. We often think of cultivation in terms of agriculture. It has the idea of preparing soil, then planting a seed, properly fertilizing and watering it, and giving the plant time to grow. Along the way we spray it to keep away insects and fence it in so animals will not eat the new growth. No gardener expects all the fruit immediately or all season long. Cultivated plants take time to grow and bear fruit in season.
In similar ways much goes into preparing for marriage, strengthening a marriage, and protecting the relationship from enemies within and without. When people choose to start their relationship in sin, live selfishly, and establish destructive habits, it’s no wonder that marriages fail. However, we can each begin where we are to make wise and godly decisions in our relationships, live with selfless service, and establish healthy habits in marriage that will lead to blessings for generations.
This week I am sharing a podcast series from Tim Keller, “Cultivating a Healthy Marriage.” This outstanding series has something for everyone—those hoping to be married, those who are newly married, and those who have been married for many years. These engaging and insightful talks will challenge each husband and wife to understand how God has designed marriage and what their roles are in marriage. Along the way Keller will remind you of those things you must be doing and those things you must not be doing. He will challenge your thinking and encourage your heart.
Marriage is a mystery and a lifelong journey. May it be a joyful journey! May each married couple never give up on growing together and pursuing the best possible life-giving marriage through the love and grace of Jesus Christ our Lord. In this, may singles have the courage to pursue marriage, and married couples glorify Jesus in the way they live together.
I hope you will take time to listen to this series!
Pastor Vic