“Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together” (Ps. 34:3). This passage well summarizes the goal of a God-honoring marriage. God created woman because it was not good for the man to be alone (Gen. 2:18). Adam needed a helper who was fitting, or appropriate (Gen. 2:18). Therefore, God brought Adam and Even together as husband and wife. The covenant relationship of marriage is God’s way of meting a number of man’s needs–companionship, love, and intimacy, among many others. But the chief goal of marriage is growing closer to God and to one another, and glorying God together as a couple.
There are a number of challenges to glorifying God in marriage. Here are a few: •
- An unauthorized union – Matt. 19:9.
- Co-habitation before marriage – Matt. 19:4-6; Heb. 13:4.
- Starting off on the wrong foot – 1 Pet. 3:3; 1 Tim. 2:9; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 5:18.
- Lack of worship attendance – Heb. 10:25.
- A “house divided” – Matt. 12:25.
There are also many biblical principles which, when applied, will help us to accomplish the goal of glorifying God in marriage. Consider the following points:
- Selflessness – Phil. 2:3-4.
- Spiritual growth – 2 Pet. 3:18.
- Proper Priorities – Matt. 6:33
- A willingness to admit wrong – Luke 17:3
- True love – 1 Cor. 13.
As a helpful exercise, sit down with your spouse and your Bible and study these passages closely. Are you honoring God in your marriage as you should?