By Edd Sterchi
It’s always exciting to have a wedding here at the church building! And last Friday night sure was an exciting event for the church family that meets at Harrisburg. It’s moving to witness the joining of the lives of two faithful, dedicated Christians in holy matrimony. It brought to mind thoughts of optimism and hope for the future. As far as my advice to the newlyweds go, I would offer three “R’s” to a healthy and successful marriage.
Romance - Love is a key element to keeping a marriage vibrant. It is because of love that a marriage should take place, and it is love that keeps the heart of a marriage beating soundly (Song of Solomon 2:4-5; 4:1ff; 8:6-7).
Relationship - When a marriage takes place, the two become one flesh and they begin a holy, permanent relationship with one another, and with God (Matthew 19:4-6). A marriage will only survive when people are dedicated to one another exclusively and intensely (Ephesians 5:25-28; Titus 2:4).
Responsibility - When two people are wed, a husband and a wife are created.Each have biblical responsibilities in their respective roles (1 Peter 3:1-7). For a marriage to make it as God desires, each must take their spousal duties seriously and implement them as God has designed.
It would be good for all of us who are married to do an inventory check of these three “R’s” often to make sure we are doing our part in keeping our marriages alive. But there is another application to these: Christians are well aware that they are a part of the church, the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Romans 7:4). As a bride to Christ, these should apply spiritually to us, also.
Romance - Christian, are you “in love” with Christ? Do you “keep falling in love with Him over and over and over again”? (1 Corinthians 16:22)
Relationship - Christian, do you realize and maintain the special relationship and communion you have with Christ? (1 Corinthians 1:9)
Responsibility - Christian, do you take your promise to remain faithful in Christ seriously? (Revelation 2:10)
A great marriage upon the earth is a wonderful blessing. Let us do what we can to make them as good as they can be. But, as Christians we must also remember that we are spiritually wed to Christ, and that “marriage” needs to be the best that it can be, too.
- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Jackson church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted at eddsterchi@charter.net or through the congregation's website: http://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.com
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