While pastoring, I was looking for a way to introduce the subject of marriage in an interesting way, so I consulted a book on illustrations. As I was perusing the topic index, I discovered someone was either very insightful — or had a warped sense of humor!
In this book of illustrations, I went to “ M,” found “Marriage”, then noticed the preceding topic was “Mark of the Beast” … and the one immediately following it was “Martyrdom”!
Most married folks eventually come to the sobering conclusion that good marriages don’t just happen; good marriages are created through sacrifice, humility, and a no-compromise commitment to their wedding vows! In a sermon on marriage, Pastor Don McKay (of First Baptist Church, Gold Beach, Oregon) recently addressed the stresses of a marital relationship in a sermon he presented on marriage. In his message he noted that: “Marriage is perhaps one of life’s most difficult relationships because we are living with the same person, day in and day out, for a lifetime.”
That statement is right-on! And of course it substantiates the wisdom of Scripture which exhorts believers to “not be yoked together with unbelievers” (II Corinthians 6:14). The idea is that there must be an affinity, a bond, a chemistry with the people we are closely connected to and/ or are in relationship with (e.g. business, intimate personal relationships, church/ministry, etc.). Of all earthly relationships, this injunction most assuredly applies to marriage! In all my years of pastoral ministry I cannot recall even one mixed-marriage (i.e. a Christian married to a non-Christian) that was healthy and mutually fulfilling. Most were in fact stressed and incompatible.
By the way: For you married, Christian guys, a great way to score big with your wife is to be an obedient-to-God kind of guy! Take for instance the husband and wife who were discussing the possibility of taking a trip to the Holy Land.
“Wouldn’t it be fantastic to go the Holy Land and stand and shout the Ten Commandments from Mt. Sinai?” the husband asked his wife.
“It would be better if you stayed home and kept them,” the wife replied.