Build a Happy Marriage Jack Lowe Marriage is the foundation for the family and a key building block for society. Understanding roles and responsibilities is key to a happy marriage.
D o you want a happy marriage? I think most who are married or intend to marry would say “of course.” No one marries intending to be un - happy or divorced. So why are there so few happy successful marriages? Many have decided to neglect the attention that God intended the mar- riage institution to have. While di - vorce rates were close to 50% in the 1980’s, today according to the Pew Research Center, between 34-40% of marriages end in divorce. These statistics may lead one to conclude that marriages are stron- ger today than in the past. Sadly, that’s not so, married couples are becoming outnumbered by couples just moving in and moving out from one relationship to another. Another alarming statistic is that the percent-
ages for divorce are about the same for the “religious” and the atheist. Although the numbers are much smaller there have been far too many divorces among those that should know better. Those which have occurred in the Church of God! The first half of Malachi 2:16 states God’s position plainly: For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce… Far too many have given up and have not been willing to go the dis - tance in order to make their mar- riages last. Foundation of a Happy Marriage Even with those marriages that last, are they as happy and joyous as God intended? Are happy and joyous marriages even possible? Of course! It is certainly possible if two people are willing to put forth the effort required. Developing a happy marriage as God intend- ed takes work from husbands and wives. In Matthew 7:24 it states: Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock The Greek word for “rock” in Mat - thew 7:24 according to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance specifical - ly refers to a large rock formation,
cliff, or bedrock, rather than a small stone. In the context of the verse, it signifies a solid, unshakeable foun - dation for building. A house, built without a foundation, will eventually collapse. The same is true for marriage—a proper foun- dation and structure must exist— or else it will crumble and fail. A loving husband serves his wife, letting her know she is a special treasure to him. Notice, the wise man built his house on the rock, and God’s people un- derstand this Rock is Jesus Christ. To have a happy successful mar - riage Jesus Christ must be the strong foundation that supports it. To have the successful marriage God the Father desires, Jesus Christ must be at the center of every mar - riage and that means voluntarily yielding control to Him. Husbands and wives must acknowledge Him as the authority, and example for their lives. Decisions in marriage will be guided by His instruction and following in His footsteps.
6
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting