God designed marriage to be a kind of model of the relationship between Christ and the church. People are watching us. Whether we like it or not, people keep an eye on followers of Christ to see if we practice what we preach. They suspect we are hypocrites as are most others. Some people even hope professing Christians will fail miserably because they think that will get them “off the hook” with God. Then they can say, “See, just as I thought, Christianity is a crock! It’s not real.”
People look at our marriages, perhaps because they want to know if its even still possible to have a lasting and happy union. So many grow up in broken homes where they never witnessed what a good marriage entails. So many marriages are failing that it can be disheartening to those contemplating tying the knot! When we pledge lifelong faithfulness to our spouses, most of us, I presume, really intend to keep our vows. Even in a morally confused world, many stilly want the stability and security that lasting love provides.
One big reason why faithfulness in marriage is so important is because it reflects to the world the relationship between Christ and his church.
Jesus is the “husband” in that relationship, and the church is the “bride.”
FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:31-32 (NASB)
God wants our faithfulness in marriage to be a living example of the faithfulness between Christ and his people. Jesus promises to never leave or forsake us, and we promise to always be faithful to him. He gave himself for his bride, the church, by dying for her on a cross. Our loving response is to live and, if necessary, die for him, as we offer ourselves back to him in loving worship and service.
God always keeps his promises, and he expects us to do the same.
When we violate our solemn covenant to be faithful until death to our spouses, we transgress and give a false testimony of the very nature of God, who dwells within each believer.
When we keep our word, we honor God and exemplify his faithfulness to a watching world. Love and faithfulness are two key character attributes of God, both of which a good marriage reflects to the world.
God’s idea is that marriage reinforce the gospel message, not detract from it.
When we tell people that God never violates his promises nor abandons his people, if our marriages do not reflect the same kind of faithfulness, it likely will seem a little hollow. Sure, as humans we fail, but God remains faithful.
Even if our marriages do fail, we can still testify to the mercy and redemptive power of God, but how much stronger is our witness when we live out covenant faithfulness as a kind of living parable!
People are watching us to see if following Christ makes any practical difference at all. Let our marriages be a resounding “Yes!”
