Friday, October 18, 2013

Prioritize Your Marriage

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.   Ephesians 5:31-32

As I wrap up a soul-expanding experience in Oregon today and return to the Peninsula, I wanted to give us all some encouragement regarding our marriages.  When it comes to our marriages, we all must understand that marriage is so much more than meets the eyes. Paul, in the Ephesians passage above, called it a profound mystery. Regardless of whether you are married or not, we are all called upon to honor marriage.  Hebrews 13:4 says, Marriage should be honored by all…

Here is the encouragement: pray for, press on and prioritize your marriage!  It’s so worth it! I came across this quote from one of the best books I ever read on the topic. I encourage some of you, and dare others of you to create some margin with your spouse, read the quote and interact around it…
“...We must say to ourselves something like this: 'Well, when Jesus looked down from the cross, he didn't think "I am giving myself to you because you are so attractive to me." No, he was in agony, and he looked down at us - denying him, abandoning him, and betraying him - and in the greatest act of love in history, he STAYED. He said, "Father, forgive them, they don't know what they are doing." He loved us, not because we were lovely to him, but to make us lovely. That is why I am going to love my spouse.'  Speak to your heart like that, and then fulfill the promises you made on your wedding day.”   --Timothy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage: Finding Happiness in Your Most Profound Relationship


Two things in closing, I am aware that there are those reading this Gmail who are in painful marriages and long to love and be loved like this from your spouse.  More importantly, Jesus knows.  I continually lift up those in challenging marriages in prayer. 

Also, this weekend, Carlos DeVitis will be encouraging all of us, married or not, as we continue our ID series on the Identity of “Forgiven.” We have some amazing child dedications at the 10:30 gathering, including our youngest daughter Joella!

I love being your pastor!