Marriage is a Role Model

Make much of your marriage! When was the last time you did something out of the ordinary together? Is your life together still a grand adventure? (Pictured here on our way to Madagascar. But out of ordinary does not need to be out of the country.)

Our marriage means something.

Did you know that your marriage is meant to illustrate the relationship between Christ and His bride (the church)?  

Is our marriage making much of Christ? Is it showing our kids that marriage is a God-thing and a good thing? Or is it showing our kids that marriage is an institution implemented by man, flawed and only to be tolerated for the value it provides to each individual? 

Previously, I shared a little on the marriage course we attended. The presenter of the course  was telling a story of how he saw his dad demonstrate his love for his mom. Many years later, the example his dad set inspired and influenced him in his own efforts at demonstrating his love for his wife. 

During a short break at the marriage course, I asked a friend what their father did toward their mother to show his appreciation and love for her, and the answer was that their dad did nothing. No gift giving or special treat or surprise; no demonstration of affection.

It's hardly surprising then, that some struggle in accepting God as a good Father. And that God's heart is to bless us and not to remain neutral or constantly be on the lookout for things He can reprimand us for. Some struggles to accept the fact that God wants to be kind to them simply because they belong to Him. They are His children. Some feel that if they don't live up to God's demands, commands and expectations, then they will be cursed. And if they do live up to His expectations, then He will only remain neutral. Ultimately, if someone want to prosper or achieve their dreams, then it is up to them. 

Many view God like this: He is distant and neutral and only steps in when you mess up to bring the necessary discipline and reproval. Some work their whole lives to win God's favour or, worse, to simply win... (and winning, whatever that means to you, proves to be an empty pursuit if it is without God.)

The problem is: you cannot earn God's love. 

This world works on the concept of "earnings", take your income, for example. But God's kingdom is counter culture.

You cannot earn God's love, you can only accept it or reject it.

You cannot work for God's love, you can only respond to it.

And His love for you is overwhelming. Over-reaching. Over-abundant! Extravagant!  As kids, we used to sing a song: "The love of Jesus is so wonderful! The love of Jesus is so high, you cannot get over it. His love is so low, you cannot get under it. His love is so wide, you cannot get around it!"

What wonderful love!

He loves you. Just you. Not what you do or don't do. Just you for you. With an inescapable kind of love. And He longs to make His love known to you through undeserving acts of kindness and blessing.