Ever wonder why marriage is called “Holy Matrimony”? It's because the institute of marriage is holy! Ordained by a Holy God, marriage should not be taken lightly or entered into ill-advisedly. Recorded in Ephesians 5:21-33 you will find instructions for Christian households. Here, God compares the relationship between the husband and wife to the relationship between Christ and the Church. Now, we can't get any more holy than Christ and the Church, likewise ordained and instituted by God.

My husband and I try really hard to work on our marriage. For more than 35 years, we've agreed that our marriage is a life-long commitment that deserves and requires continuing education. This commitment to God, our marriage and each other has inspired us to studied scripture, read books, and attended marriage retreats that have helped us to focus on each other and seek God’s perspective for marriage.

My most interesting read on the subject is a book by Gary Thomas entitled, “Sacred Marriage.” This book speaks from the perspective, What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy? Interesting concept….

The book is filled with pages that explore topics like How Marriage Exposes Our Sin; Marriage Teaches Us to Forgive; Marriage Can Develop Our Spiritual Calling, Mission, and Purpose, and my personal favorite— Marital Sexuality Can Provide Spiritual Insights and Character Development.

That said, I think most of us underestimate the power and plan for marriage. We give up too soon and give in too often. Pleasure, purpose, and platform marriage was established to replicate who and all that God is. Just as God is gracious to us, marriage teaches us to mutually extend grace to one another rendering unmerited favor. As God loves us unconditionally and forgives us of wrongdoing, marriage is filled with life lessons that teach us to pardon and to respect.

And when we allow it, marriage can and will bring everlasting fulfillment and complete joy. If married folk walked in this concept and consumed its full interpretation, the unmarried just might see marriage in a different light.

Challenge

• Allow your marriage to develop your spiritual life
• Extend mercy and grace to your spouse
• Allow your marriage to be an opportunity to love unconditionally and to forgive completely