Information Related to "Have You Performed Your Vow Today?"
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Have You Performed Your Vow Today? By David Treybig How does "I do" become "I don't anymore"? Several common misunderstandings contribute to neglect of the marriage vows.
tanding before a large crowd of friends, another young couple solemnly exchanged wedding vows. The minister asked the groom, "Do you faithfully promise and covenant with God in the presence of these witnesses to take so-and-so to be your lawful wedded wife -- in sickness and in health, in good times and in difficult times, for as long as you both shall live?" He then asked the question of the bride. Both joyfully said, "I do." But did they?
Marriage not just a physical relationship Debates over mankind's origin don't help. The common -- and erroneous -- view that Charles Darwin's theory of evolution explains our existence is confusing and detrimental to marriages. The theory classifies man as part of the animal kingdom. Though this theory places man at the top of a hierarchy of animals because of his superior skills and abilities, such thinking degrades humanity and hides the fact that God created us to be part of His Kingdom.
Although most people agree that a committed relationship with one person is ideal, television shows and movies continue to glamorize and portray indiscriminate sexual relations and divorce as normal and even desirable. Such entertainment, coupled with disregard for our spiritual potential, takes a toll. Marriages pay a dear price for such confusion and aberrant messages. From the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), God's plan has been to expand His family (Ephesians 3:14-15). Jesus Christ came to earth to help us attain our spiritual potential -- "to become children of God" (John 1:12). Those who respond to this high calling will be invited to the greatest marriage in the history of the universe -- "the marriage supper of the Lamb." When Jesus returns He will take as His bride those who have made themselves ready through "righteous acts" (Revelation 19:7-9).
Marriage is not simply a physical relationship that exists on a human level. It is a God-plane relationship. It was instituted by God to help us prepare for an eternal relationship with Him and His Son, Jesus. (If you wish to know more about God's plan for humanity, please request our free booklets and .) Understanding love Another misunderstanding that threatens marriages relates to love. Many people don't know what real love is. Assuming that love just mysteriously happens and they have no control over it, some believe divorce is the solution when problems appear. It seems too many forget their vows to stay together in the good times and the bad.
As Paul wrote: "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" (verses 4 to 8). The biblical definition of love does not cast humans as victims of a capricious, uncontrollable emotion. Instead, love involves conscious choice -- and its depth and breadth are demonstrated most fully not in good times, but through difficulty. Immature love is an emotion that focuses primarily on personal gratification -- what someone else can do for us. Godly love, the kind of love that Paul and other biblical writers describe, focuses on what we can do for others and how we can make ourselves more loving and lovable. (If you would like to know more about this kind of love, please request our free booklet .) Marriage and commitment When we understand that marriage is a covenant (Malachi 2:14), that understanding should have a positive impact on the longevity of our relationship with our husband or wife. Though we commonly speak of exchanging wedding vows, many forget the three-party covenant involved in marriage. They lose sight that the marriage covenant is a solemn agreement that includes not only one's mate but God Himself.
Emphasizing the personal responsibility each of us must take in fulfilling our vows, King David wrote a song that included this phrase: "Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God" (Psalm 56:12). He concluded another psalm: "So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may daily perform [honor] my vows" (Psalm 61:8). If you are married, consider these important questions. Do you understand that marriage is a God-plane relationship? Do you realize love is something we do rather than only something we feel? Finally, have you performed your vow today? Recommended reading We need to understand much more about our relationships with our Creator and each other. The booklets and will help your comprehend your Creator's purpose for you. To better understand the Bible's guidance for building better relationships with one another, request and . All are available free of charge. Copyright 2004 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
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Keywords: marriage vow real love commitment divorce
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