Marriage Dynamics
Marriage is under attack on all fronts in our society today. People and children are getting hurt because too many people are clueless about the true meaning of marriage. Selfishness cannot rule over selflessness. Marriages are failing because one or both parties are overly selfish and seldom selfless. We have let sensationalism and the glitz of media twist our definition of marriage. If you have ever read the cover of the glamour magazines at the supermarket check out, you would think that getting married was a competition to see who can throw the most elaborate party. That is not what marriage is. Marriage is a COVENANT between a man and a woman where each side VOWS to MEET THE NEEDS OF THE OTHER. When you stood across from your spouse at the altar or wherever you were, you were essentially promising to sacrifice your convenience to fulfill the life of your husband or wife. Many people marry for all the wrong reasons. They get married for their own gain. People will marry to be financially secure, to gain greater possessions, to extend their social lives, or to mend the hurt from a past failed relationship. The only reason a man should ever marry a woman and vice versa is because they love one another so much that they are willing to sacrifice anything for that person.
The problem that exists in relationships today is that our culture does not understand the meaning of COVENANT. A covenant is a life binding relationship in which all that belongs to a person now becomes equally the possessions of their covenant partner. It means that you would rather die than not meet the needs for that person. The most dishonorable thing a person can do is neglect their covenant vows. In foreign nations and tribes, covenant is a very serious thing. In these other cultures when two sides enter into covenant there is shedding of blood. Historically both people would cut their arms and mix the blood together in a glass of wine and then each side would drink a half of the mixture. They would then place gunpowder in the wound to make a scar. That scar would remind them they have a covenant responsibility. I know this sounds extreme but this is an illustration of how serious covenant is.
Marriage is a covenant. We should dread the thought of not holding up our end of the vow. This means that your spouse and their feelings come before your wants and desires. Your spouse is more important than your friends and hobbies. 1 Peter 3:7 says, “Likewise, husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife as the precious vessel, and as being heirs of the grace of life together and that your PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED.” A failure to put a spouse first will hinder your faith and what you pray about. The grace of life can only work for those that honor covenant.
Pastor Tim
Family Church Jamestown is a non-denominational church located in Chautauqua County in Jamestown between Lakewood and Busti, NY. The senior pastor of Family Church is Pastor Tim Stahlman a native to the Jamestown, NY area.
