My marriage

When we ask others about the reason for getting married, we often hear things like, “Because I love him,”  “Because he makes me feel special and important,”  “Because he completes me,” or “Because I can’t imagine my life without him.”  All of these are great reasons, and should be part of any marriage, but I’m learning that there is an even deeper reason, one that often goes unrecognized.

That reason is because it brings God glory.  Now we may have thought that, but pushed it aside declaring it too lofty.  But I think we push it aside, because it is awkward and makes us feel uncomfortable. Why?  Because when we look at marriage through the lens of God’s glory, we realize it isn’t as much about ourselves as we thought, and what is marriage if it is not about us? 

You see I’m learning that my marriage isn’t ultimately about myself.  Its purpose goes much deeper than having my needs and desires met, and having someone to share life with.  It is about God’s glory.  Here’s how.

In my home are three kids, growing, learning, and imitating.  Do they see a good example of what a Christian marriage is to be?  Do they see me being my husband’s suitable helper (Gen. 2:18)?  Do they see the joy of fulfilling my role as his helper?  Do they see in my marriage what God will one day want them to have in their own?   Do they see what God wants them to live out for my grandchildren?  Do they see God’s glory?

When I am in a group of women who are complaining about their marriages, do my words about my marriage reflect the grace of God?   Does my attitude reveal the love of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22)?  Do they see God’s glory?

In public when I am speaking to my husband, and others can hear, are my words respectful?  Am I a good representative of Christ and His church (Eph. 5:22-33)? Do they see God’s glory?

On the mission field the people we will be serving will not be Christians.  They won’t know what it means to have a Christian marriage.  Will they look at mine and see a difference?  Will they look at mine and see my Savior?  Will they look at my marriage and see something they want?   Will they see God’s glory?

You see, my marriage isn’t so much about me.  There are way too many people watching for me to think so selfishly.  There are way too many people that have me under the microscope for me to look at my marriage only for what I can get from it. There are way too many people, who will only see Christ’s heart of love, service, and sacrifice by my portrayal of Him.  There are way too many people watching our marriage, for me to think, it’s only about me.

You see in every place, in every situation, my marriage is about someone greater:  God and His glory.