The Hard Work of Kingdom Marriage: Why There's No Backup Plan
This blog post delves into the concept of a Kingdom Marriage, a biblical model of marriage that mirrors Christ's relationship with the Church. We explore the challenges and rewards of such a union, emphasizing the need for selflessness, humility, and continual growth. Contrasting today's disposable view of marriage with the biblical perspective, we underscore the importance of commitment and the sanctity of the marriage covenant. This article serves as a guide to building a Kingdom Marriage that honors God, prioritizes the spouse, and is built to last, reflecting the enduring love of Christ for His Church.
Marriage, a divine covenant between two individuals, is a sacred bond that demands dedication and effort. In the Bible, marriage is depicted as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the Church. The husband is instructed to love his wife sacrificially, as Christ loved the Church (Ephesians 5:25), and the wife is encouraged to respect her husband (Ephesians 5:33). This divine design forms the basis of a Kingdom Marriage, a union centered on God and His principles.
In contrast to the biblical concept of marriage, today's society often views marriages as disposable, with backup plans and escape routes in case of difficulties. This perspective deviates from the biblical view where divorce is considered a last resort and a painful disruption of the covenant made before God (Malachi 2:16).
A Kingdom Marriage necessitates hard work from both spouses to establish a robust foundation. It involves prioritizing the relationship, investing quality time together, and maintaining open communication to ensure mutual love, respect, and value.
One of the significant challenges in a Kingdom Marriage is learning to prioritize your spouse's needs above your own, reflecting the selflessness and humility demonstrated by Christ (Philippians 2:3-4). It involves recognizing your spouse as your partner in life's journey, not an adversary.
In a Kingdom Marriage, there's no room for selfishness or pride. The couple is called to serve each other in love, emulating Christ's service to His disciples (John 13:14-15). This service-oriented mindset involves prioritizing your spouse's needs and striving to fulfill their desires.
Growth and improvement are integral to a Kingdom Marriage. Both partners should be committed to personal development and becoming better spouses, continually learning and growing together. This commitment involves being open to feedback, addressing areas of weakness, and striving to be the best version of yourself for your spouse (Proverbs 27:17).
In essence, a Kingdom Marriage mirrors God's love for His people, a testament to sacrificial love, commitment, and devotion. While it demands hard work and effort, the rewards of a strong and healthy marriage are invaluable. Let's commit to building Kingdom Marriages that honor God, prioritize our spouses, and are built to last, reflecting the enduring love of Christ for His Church.