Text: Deut 30:19-21
Marriage was not instituted by any nation but God himself at creation. We have the choice to make our marriage the way we want it. There is an adage that says: show me your friend and I will tell you who you are. Iron sharps iron. The outcome in our homes today is a function of the choices we made yesterday. We must understand this. You have to make it work deliberately. Marriage is one-way traffic: no going back once you are in.
Purpose of Marriage.
- Help meet: suitable, adaptable and complement each other.
- Spiritual reinforcement – two are better than one for they have a better reward for their labour.
- Companionship and fellowship –
- Unity – oneness emotionally, spiritually and financially. There must be oneness in spirit, soul and body. Once there is unity between couples in marriage, no force of hell can destroy such marriage.
- For the sake of purity and to avoid fornication
You must be available for your children and pray with them. Our children should be our friends. They should be able to relate anything and everything to us as their parents. The word of God must be the basis of running your home. Do not allow anyone to run your home for you. The man, you are the head of the home but not a dictator. You must build a solid wall around your family. You must protect your wife against every external influence and attack. If your marriage must stand the test of time, you must protect your wife. If you allow them to attack your wife, they will match you and the children.
We must be open to our children so that we can understand their challenges physically, emotionally, academically and in all areas. Both the man and the woman must put resources together to raise the children. They are your best friend and they should be the ones to remember you in old age.
Enemies of Marriage
- Keeping the wrong company – if you keep a run company, it will mar your home and ruin your resources. He that works with the wise shall be wise…
- Do away with anger and bitterness –
- Do away with covetousness – the practice of I will not allow him to get close to me because what he has done must not be there. Everything must be resolved in a timely manner
- There must be love on the part of the husband
- Provide for your household
- Do not allow a third party to run your home for you.
- Your wife should be your best friend
- Deception and lack of trust – couples must be honest with themselves and not be a threat for dishonesty is a threat to marriage. Build confidence and give room for your marriage to thrive and you will have peace in your home.
God bless you.