Monday, December 03, 2007

What Makes a Marriage Christian?

1st Monday Every Month at Chrysalis


We sat in a busy restaurant in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. Though our relationship was only beginning, conversation came easily and somehow we got to the topic of what we hoped for in marriage. When I told him I wanted a husband who shared a commitment to God and His way of doing things, I saw a flash of recognition in his eyes. And my heart started beating faster. I mentioned scripture I based my opinions on and he nodded with a smile. Soon we were both rattling so fast we could hardly let the other finish before we had to chime in again.

My spirit screamed, "This one is different."

We spent hours in that restaurant, oblivious to the people coming and going around us, caught up in the excitement of having found someone who understood the importance of a Third Cord in a marriage, Almighty God. It was the beginning of a beautiful union, one that has not been perfect, always easy, or free from hurt and frustration, but one that has been touched by the power following God's plan provides.

What makes a marriage Christian?

Two people completely devoted to Christ FIRST and each other second (I can't say I've always liked being second fiddle, but it has proven to be in my best interests.).

A man and a woman who make it a priority to grow in their faith separately before they expect growth as a couple.

A commitment to obey the Bible, even those passages that seem harsh and unfair.

A willingness to set aside personal desires for the sake of the other, practicing sacrificial love modeled after our Lord.

A vow to stay together until death.

A determination to enjoy the gift of each other.

There have been many tense times and hurt feelings, but relying on God and His word has taught us much in working through them all. Truly His plan has turned out to be perfect, providing both security and great blessing in our marriage.

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:10-12



Find out what other bloggers think makes a marriage Christian by visiting e-Mom at Chrysalis and following the links.

17 comments:

Brenda said...

I loved hearing your story about your date at the restaurant. As your children start to leave the nest I think it draws you closer even more. You realize that soon it will just be the two of you again so you start valuing that relationship even more.

God's girl said...

What a sweet and refreshing story. Love this. Lifting a prayer for your marriage.
Blessings,
Angela

Anonymous said...

I couldn't have said it better myself. We were thinking alike because my post is on being Christ-centered first. So, so important!!

Thanks for your comment on my broken glass post last night. I love what you said! You are so right! We must be broken before we can scatter seeds. Thanks for giving my story a new dimension. That would make another great post.

Have a great week, friend!!

Living Beyond said...

Amen amen amen - can I steal you list to post on my blog - you said what I wanted to say!! Marvelous

Wendell said...

A lovely story. Thankyou for sharing.

Rachelle said...

You set a great example, for many to follow! And... you're just so cute together. Love ya!

Susan said...

Oh, this was great!

What a beautiful story, thanks for sharing today...

Blessings to you,

Susan

lori said...

How blessed you both are!!
Without HIM, we are nothing!
I loved it!

You guys sounded like us...'rattling so fast that we could hardly let the other finish before we had to chime in again..' That's how it STILL is after 17 years!!!

great post...
A cord of THREE....loved it!
hugs,
lori

Teresa said...

hearing about your date at the restaurant sounds like a movie. It was nice visiting your blog

Susannah said...

I could easily picture the two of you talking for hours at that restaurant in Lincoln, Nebraska! What a life-changing day that was for the two of you. :~D

You have the Truth, and it has set you free. Praise God for wonderful, devoted Christian marriages like yours.

Thanks for linking this post to Marriage Monday. Hugs, e-Mom

SandyCarlson said...

I enjoy the way you write about your walk with your husband. This thought touches my heart:

A determination to enjoy the gift of each other.

Determination is essential!

God bless.

Tami said...

Dear Living Beyond--steal away!

Cahleen @ The Alt Story said...

I remember when my husband and I had a similar conversation (back when we were dating in university). The realization that "this one may be THE ONE" is a moment to be remembered!

Connie Marie said...

Being married to a Christian man is so very good and being second fiddle this way is the best! Thanks for your words and God bless!

Cheryl said...

What a sweet post. It is so wonderful being married to a Christian man. Thanks for sharing. God Bless!

A Stone Gatherer said...

Hello, I have a niece getting married in May. I know right now God is not the head of their home, one reason - they are living together. Would you mind if copied this to give to her and her future husband? It was great! Thanks for the reminder!

Tami said...

Dear Stone Gatherer,

Please do pass it on to your niece. Isn't this the reason we blog--to share our thoughts with a wider audience? If she can gain something from it, I would be jazzed.

Tami