1/2 marathon Challenge, Day 11

In a secular world that increasingly sees marriage as quaint at best, or irrelevant at worst, we as Christians must provide the counter argument: that marriages are important to the ushering in of God’s kingdom, because they act as a snapshot of His love for us, and all of his creation. That marriage gives us an idea of Christ’s love and devotion, his sacrifice and commitment to the church, his people. With that said, we as married Christians need to look at how we do marriage, and ask ourselves if our unions are presenting the right picture. Part of our purpose is to honor and glorify God as we go forth and spread the good news, making disciples of all nations. I don’t think these are jobs to take lightly, or do without serious effort. indeed we are implored in Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” and not for ourselves. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 we are told “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Are you doing marriage that way? Are you loving your spouse in such a way as someone observing you would see a picture of God’s love, or agape? Unconditional, and sacrificial? Are you working at making your marriage to the absolute best of your ability, sparing no effort and withholding nothing? Obviously this is not easy. Indeed, relying solely on human strength it would be impossible. We must constantly remind ourselves of God’s grace and forgiveness towards us, of Christ’s love and sacrifice on our behalf if we are going to show those same attitudes to our spouses. It is only through his love that we can love others. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:12: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace. We must be devoted to the task at hand, disciplined as we develop love and grace as habits, until they are second nature in how we deal with our spouses. Stay humble in the task at hand, and be grateful for all the blessings God has given you and your spouse, and even be thankful for the trials that have made you stronger. Colossians 3:17 says: Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Do marriage with that Spirit, with all your might, and see how God blesses you both as a result.

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