Marriage is a Partnership

Genesis 2 and 3 remind us that Adam and Eve were in it together, during the good and bad, for life. As we look at the totality of Scripture, we see the picture painted that marriage is more than a contract or marriage license, it’s a holy covenant between two people and God.

See, a contract is based on mutual distrust. Since I don’t know you well enough to take you at your word, I’m making you sign a piece of paper that commits you to follow through to do what you said you would do.

A covenant though is based on mutual commitment. The original Hebrew word means a cutting, binding agreement. In ancient times, two people would bring animals to the agreement, cut them in half then walk through the blood of the sacrifice. In doing so, they were saying, “May I be as these animals if I don’t follow through with my end of the bargain.” It was a powerful reminder of the intensity of the promise.

In marriage, a covenant partnership is Godly leadership and mutual submission. Paul reminds Christ followers what that looks like in Ephesians 5:21-33. The first thing Paul says is that each spouse submits to the other out of reverence for Jesus. In other words, because of what Jesus did for us (He died for us), we submit to one another. Paul goes on to say that when we choose to love and respect each other, a beautiful union happens between married couples.

Your marriage will be as good as both of YOU decide it will be. You can’t always change the person you are with but you can change you. It won’t ever be easy. There is always a choice. And it will always, always, always take dying to self.

We can be united or untied. The difference is where the “I” is located. And where should the “I” be located? Submitted to Christ. If we all will do that, our relationships will be more beautiful than we ever could have planned on our own. Blessings on your journey.

Be Ready to Share your Life!

I’ve always thought following Jesus was a two-sided coin. On one hand, he’s got all the answers so it’s straight forward. His teaching is easy and light. On the other hand, he’s got all the answers and sometimes it’s tough. Jesus has some difficult things to digest if you are going to follow him. Like In Matthew 5 when he says, “…turn the other cheek…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Really? Are you kidding me?

Right now in this very difficult time in our nation, we are discovering following Jesus really takes courage and resilience. We are called to love people no matter how they treat us. That’s easier to do when people are getting along. But right now with racial tension, conflict with authority, political nastiness, economic downturn, loss of employment AND COVID, we are are questioning Jesus design for life and asking “do I really?”

Jesus never abandoned truth but was equally full of grace and we are called to imitate him. We are called to live in such a way that our very life gives the reason for the hope we have in Jesus. We live in such a way that those who might be speaking ill of us will be embarrassed because we are actually living a life that lifts others up. We do our best to live at peace with everyone. Peter calls us to that kind of living in 1 Peter 3:15-16.

So how do we exemplify Jesus? Paul reminds us that when the Spirit lives within us, it yields a very different life than those who are in the world. Paul says in Galatians 5 that our lives will look like love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. So our goal should be to look like Jesus and extend all of these Godly qualities to those around us…even when it is not easy.

So, always shine for Jesus. Solomon said in Proverbs 11:30, “Seeds of good deeds become a tree of life.” And we want to be life to those we touch every day. For example, when you know your neighbor has had an illness, take over some food or mow the grass for them. When there have been ill words, be the first to offer an apology. When there is silence, speak up. When tears flow, show compassion and give a shoulder to cry on.

Paul reminds us in Colossians 4:5-6 to be an example for those who don’t believe in a risen Savior. Live in such a way that there is gentleness and kindness in your language and life. As followers of Christ, we want the world to take notice of why we live like we do so they too can have the hope we share.

As a follower, don’t be a tyrant. Over the years, I’ve seen so many hold truth in a self-righteous way, brow-beating everyone around them. It’s a fear-based religion that we’ve never been called to live out. So ask yourself these questions with honesty: How do you address folks on social media? How do you carry yourself in the workplace? What is your voice like with your family? How do you show compassion when you are in the right? Jesus was not tyrannical. He held truth in balance with love. And so should we.

Finally, never compromise. After his incredible letter to the church in Rome, Paul ends with how we are called to live life on earth in Romans 12. He calls us to not be conformed to the way the world does life but be transformed into Jesus. Verses 9-21 specifically spell out the kind of people we are called to be.

So love with the truth in mind…be like Jesus. The Jews have a saying: “May the dust of your rabbi settle upon you.” It means may you follow your teacher (that’s Jesus for us) so closely that the dust he kicks up as he walks settles on you. We are all on a wonderful journey. It’s our time to shine. This world needs the hope that only Jesus can offer. Let your life be the story the world can’t get enough of! Blessings on your journey.