Every successful human and/or divine relationship is governed by right principles. Marriage is no different. It is an unfortunate fact, however, that the most excellent instruction and teaching about marriage BEFORE marriage is rare if not non-existent. Workshops, lectures, courses and classes abound for married couples and even for those contemplating divorce or remarriage.
The far-reaching consequences involved with choosing a life partner is not sufficiently discerned and this highlights the need for education.
Marriage is something that will influence and affect your life, both in this world, and in the world to come. Our future is determined by the way in which we now allow ourselves to be influenced. (Proverbs 13:20/Ephesians 5:31/1 Corinthians 7:14,16/Genesis 2:24)
The moral character of those united in marriage is either elevated or degraded by their association. The character formed in this world determines the destiny for eternity. The spirit that Christ manifests toward His church is the spirit that the husband and wife are to manifest toward each other. If they love God supremely, they will love each other in the Lord, ever treating each other courteously, drawing in even cords. In their mutual self-denial and self-sacrifice they will be a blessing to each other. (1 Corinthians 7:14, Ephesians 5:24,25)
Where the Spirit of God is, there is meekness, patience, gentleness, and longsuffering; there is a tenderness of soul, a mildness which savors of Christ. But these fruits are not manifested by the unconverted. If Christ is not in the heart, the character will be unlovely. (Galatians 5:22,23/Matthew 7:17,18/Romans 8:9)
SUPREME LOVE FOR GOD + SUPREME LOVE FOR CHRIST = HAPPY MARRIAGE
In the home and in the world the Lord God must occupy the first place. God must be enthroned in each heart. Every rival influence, be it husband, wife, or child, which would take the homage which rightly belongs to Him, must be given up. Jesus has purchased wife, husband, and children
at infinite cost, and though it is right for us to love those whom God has given us, yet God is ever to hold our supreme affection. The love of God must reign supreme; Christ must occupy an undivided throne. We are to place no person before Christ in our affections. (Matthew 22:37,38, 10:37)
The reason of all division, discord, and difference is found in separation from Christ. Christ is the center to which all should be attracted; for the nearer we approach the center, the closer we shall come together in feeling, in sympathy, in love, growing into the character and image of Jesus. (1 John 1:7,4:7,8/Ephesians 1:10,2:6/Galatians 3:28/Romans 12:5/1 Corinthians 1:21)
The closer we come to Christ, the nearer we shall be to one another. Hearts that are filled with the love of Christ can never get very far apart. If Christ does not reign in the heart, there will be discontent and moral deformity. Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish affection. (Romans 5:5/2 Timothy 1:13/1 Timothy 1:14/1 Corinthians 16:24/Jeremiah 17:9)
Human love may change, but Christ's love knows no change. The divine love emanating from Christ never destroys human love, but includes it. By it human love is refined and purified, elevated and ennobled. Human love can never bear its precious fruit until it is united with the Divine nature, and trained to grow heavenward. (Isaiah 49:15/Malachi 3:6/2 Peter 1:5-7,11)
In the lives of those who are partakers of the divine nature there is a crucifixion of the haughty, self-sufficient spirit that leads to self-exaltation. Without Christ we can do nothing. The pure principles of uprightness, virtue, and goodness are all from God. There is no real beauty of person or of character out of Christ, no real perfection of manners or deportment without the sanctifying graces of the spirit of humility, sympathy, and true holiness. It is only in Christ that a marriage alliance can be safely formed. (John 15:5/Philippians 2:5-8)
By the grace of God, we will continue this study in another post. Have a wonderful weekend.
T.K.
© 2009 Tyrone Keels
www.issues-of-life.com
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