Happily Ever After: “To be my…..?”
Marriage
Marriage is the primary, foundational human relationship given by God to mankind for enjoyment; and marriage serves as the cornerstone of human relationships.
Ephesians 5:22-33
Ephesians 5:22-33 ESV
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. "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.
Everyone has a perspective on marriage...
In Hollywood a marriage is a success if it outlasts milk. Rita Rudner Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then. Katherine Hepburn Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century. Mark Twain The most dangerous food is wedding cake. American Proverb We were happily married for eight months. Unfortunately, we were married for four and a half years. Nick Faldo Getting divorced just because you don't love a man is almost as silly as getting married just because you do. Zsa Zsa Gabor Getting married is a lot like getting into a tub of hot water. After you get used to it, it ain't so hot. Minnie Pearl Since the first day of our marriage, we've worked side by side. I think that if we had not worked so closely the marriage would not have survived. There has never been the opportunity for neglect. Paul Harvey Steve about his parents' marriage: "My parents had a certain resolve to them that I don’t see as so prevalent today. Through good times and bad, they were committed to one another. Their relationship wasn’t something to be constantly examined or picked apart." Steve Carell "I don't think I'm suited to marriage. Sometimes I worry I'm too selfish to have a relationship. I think I'm going to be sleeping alone for a while, a long while." Larry King We really just love to be together. I think all couples have to learn that when you get married that you're going to have these fights. You think it's going to be perfect and it comes as a huge shock ... Love means commitment. Jerry Seinfeld
Marriage Misconceptions
1. Getting married is going to make me happy. 2. Marriage is the solution to my problems. 3. Marriage is a perpetual date. 4. Marriage will help me escape the life I now have and hate. 5. Women believe they will change their man and men believe that their woman will never change. 6. If I’m not happy I have a right to leave. Forever would be nice but happiness determines my willingness. 7. God has little to do with “happily ever after.”
A biblical look at Marriage
1. In marriage, holy comes before happy. 2. Marriage is a sacred trust. 3. Marriage requires a lifetime commitment. 4. Marriage is more than a good idea it is God’s idea.
How can I gain God’s perspective of my marriage?
1. Put yourself in the position to hear God’s voice.
Here’s how:
Monday: Pray for God to give him/her a great week and show them His love. Tuesday: Pray God would guard their heart from temptation and Satan’s attacks. Wednesday: Pray God would stir their heart with a supreme desire to honor God. Thursday: Pray for him/her to have godly wisdom in decision making. Friday: Pray for continued growth and maturity in their relationship with God. Saturday: Pray for God to help you show genuine, unconditional love to them. Sunday: Pray for God to use His Word to enrich their lives for His glory.
How can I gain God’s perspective of my marriage?
3. Stop listening to discouraging voices.