What Is the Purpose for Marriage?

Marriage, Part 6

 

When I was in 3^rd or 4^th grade love began to creep in along the edges of my life.

Scene #1: I am playing basketball in my driveway with my friends while 3-4 girls try to sneak up on us. We are not unaware of their covert actions, so we purposely let the basketball roll down the hill toward them so we can chase them.

Scene #2: I am now in sixth grade enjoying my first “date”—taking a girl to the county fair. Unfortunately, I run out of money. But fortunately, my date has money to loan. Hallelujah! I win a large stuffed bear. But what do I do with the bear that was won with my date’s money? The only logical choice—I take it home and give it to my 3 year old brother!

Scene #3: I am now a freshman in college and serenading the girl who will eventually become my wife. I do this because she says it is the only way she will go out with me on both weekend nights.

What is this love that I was chasing? The Apostle Paul explains that love is more action than feeling: “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy." Paul taught that the essence of marriage is a sacrificial commitment to the good of the other. And what can be better than helping your mate become holy?

Time is an essential ingredient in this pursuit of holiness. Though some time can be spent on light activities—attending a movie or a child’s sporting event--don't neglect the more substantial tasks:

·        Spend some of your coming vacation reading aloud a Christian biography.

·         Attend your church’s family camp. (Don’t let your summer be hijacked by your kids’ athletic coaches!)  

·         Join a couples’ Sunday School class or a home Bible study.

·         Work together as volunteers in a local charity.

·         Develop a prayer list for the issues that your spouse faces.

A deeper oneness develops when two people journey together toward the goal of spiritual maturity, supporting each other through “the dangers and challenges along the way.”  My goal as a husband should be “to sanctify her”, to help her become “holy and blameless”, to work toward the removal of “all spiritual stains, flaws, sins, and blemishes.” (Tim Keller)