Marriages at the Altar
Marriages at the Altar!
Anything that went to the altar had to die and be sacrificd to God! In the same way, as we stand before an alter on our wedding day, we must be prepared to die to ourselves and sacrifice ourselves for the sake of serving and being available for our spouses.
As hard of a pill as that is to swallow, it is exactly what God asks of all men and women who make the choice to join as one flesh with their spouse. Just like the marriage between Christ and the church ended up with death on the cross, followed by a glorious resurrection, so will the marriage between a man and a woman be marked by death to self, followed by a glorious union.
What we often see is each individual jockeying to have their needs, wants and expectations met, only resulting in tension and perceptions of greed and self-centeredness. Certain personalities, stubbornness, rigidity in our choices will all have to die before the marriage can attain it's full potential of joy and fulfillment.
Apostle Paul reminds us, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (Phil. 2:3-4)
The ideal, and Biblical marriage (as stated by Paul to the Philippians), comes when each spouse is constantly and genuinely concerned about the other in service and sacrifice. Think about it, where is the greed and self-centeredness when each individual is always looking out for their spouse. As a matter of fact, each person will feel valued and will react in a manner that only brings good fruits, growth and peace to the marriage. Let’s strive to value our spouses by dying to yourself and esteeming them better than you. The results will not only bring glory to God, but you will be amazed at how quickly He can turn your marriage around for the better simply because you made the choice to die at the altar.
Today ask yourself, what in your personality is yet to die on the alter? What stubbornness, or pride is refusing to die on the alter? And finally, how can you step out of yourself, and look to the interest of my spouse or future spouse?
Once these questions are answered correctly, they will open the door of freshness and fulfillment into the marriage.
God bless you!
John Boamah
Elevated Marriages
The Grace Movement
