Jesus Christ reminds us that at the beginning the Creator made us male and female, and said, “For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.”
- Marriage was originated in Divine wisdom and goodness, it was designed to promote human happiness and holiness, this rite is the foundation of home life and social order, and so must remain till the end of time.
- Marriage was sanctioned and honored by the presence and power of Jesus at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, thus marking the beginning of His wonderful works.
- Marriage was also commended of the Apostle Paul to be honorable among all men. Outside of our decision to follow Christ, marriage is the most important step in life, and therefore, is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisably, and in the fear of God.
The ceremony of marriage is the first and oldest ceremony in the entire world, celebrated in the beginning in the presence of God Himself.
- Marriage is a gift of God, given to comfort the sorrows of life and magnify its joys.
- Marriage is the clasping of hands, the blending of hearts, the union of two lives as one.
- Marriage takes much effort from both sides. Husband and wife must give 100% or they will begin to loose ground.
I know many marriages that have struggled, and many that have failed because one spouse thought they were “The Boss” and had full right and authority to dictate and impose their will on the other. Marriage is not the factory or the boardroom. There is no “CEO” of the family except the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, allow me to share 10 keys to a happy marriage:
- FAITH. Live your faith together. Remember that you, your spouse, and God make up the three-fold cord of marriage.
- SUBMIT YOURSELF TO ONE ANOTHER. Marriage is not a dictatorship – it is a equal partnership under God’s supervision.
- SPEND PRIVATE TIME TOGETHER. Take time for just the two of you to talk, walk, play a game, or simply go to a movie. Get to know one another in a deeper way.
- SPEND TIME APART. Taking SOME time to do things that interest you will make you happier, more fulfilled, and easier to get along with.
- BE SPONTANEOUS. Take detours in life. Depart from your “normal” schedule to have fun, excitement, and adventure. You will be amazed at the new life your marriage can have with some regular spontaneity.
- DO NOT FIGHT IN FRONT OF OTHER PEOPLE (or on FaceBook!). Keep your struggles out of the light of public opinion. Seek your pastor or a qualified counselor to help with contentious areas, not your friends or FaceBook!.
- TOUCH. Touching is important. There is great comfort in simply holding your spouses hand or sitting close to them on the couch.
- LISTEN. Actively listen. Turn off the TV, the radio and put down your book. Sit up, lean forward and really listen to what is being said. This is important to them; therefore it is important to you. Talk about everything and nothing. Respect each others’ comments.
- REMEMBER THE BIG PICTURE. If your spouse irritates you, before you react, ask yourself if this issue will matter in a few hours. If it will not, then let it go away on its own. Is this issue worth making a major issue of?
- WORK AT IT. Marriage is a work in progress. It begins to disintegrate as soon as one thinks they are more important than the other. Marriage is NOT a 50-50 partnership! Real marriage requires a 100% – 100% commitment. In other words, you give 100% to your spouse regardless of what you may or may not be getting in return. When the effort ends, so does the marriage.
