Honoring Marriage

Reading in Hebrews, a book which perplexes me, amazes me, makes me wonder ...  And I have had two years to do almost nothing but read and think.  Seeing my life in all of its many disasters, seeing things in the Bible I never understood before the complete change which overcame me.  And though I may now understand somethings better, it comes decades too late for me actually benefit from this knowledge.  So, seeing missed opportunities, understanding how things should have been - could have been - better.  Could-a, Would-a, Should-a - as my lawyer used to say ...

Every Christian is called to honor marriage as being highly valuable.  And, yes, this includes singles - you are called to honor marriage as well!

Hebrews 13:4

Honor Your Child's Marriage
How I wish that parents could understand that their children do become adults and they are no longer under their parents' control!  It is almost a disease in this culture that parents believe they have some say in their children's' marriages and lives - long after the child has left the home!

As a parent, your child marries - with or without your input - they are adult, married and their business is theirs alone!  Butt out tiny minded control freaks!  You support that marriage!  You do all you can do to encourage the two of them!  Your feelings have no place in someone else's marriage!

Honor Your Adult Child's Marriage
Yes, adults - those over 25 these days - get married too.
Parents are to separate relationally.
Parents are to separate emotionally.
Parents are to separate financially.
Life is to be fully shared with, and only with, their spouse.

Honor Newlyweds.
They need time together.
They need to create their identity.
Your being there too much will only cause unnecessary strife.

Honor Seasoned Couples.
They are in danger of drifting apart!
Encourage quality time together for them.
Time spent face to face, talking.
Daily, personal thoughts expressed, lovingly.
Weekly, fun time together - think a date night.
Annually, fun time together - think vacation.

Honor Couples In Crisis.
Do not take sides, be neutral!
Advocate for both spouses!
Try to not be drawn in ... good luck!
Pray!

Honor Senior Couples.
Recognize their commitment together.
Follow their example.
Realize that commitment has nothing to do with compatibility, being "soul mates" or "in love".
Commitment is a product of character.

In reading back through this it strikes me that churches would do well to encourage and build up marriages within the church.  Yet, I have never seen an example of this as a ministry area in any church on four continents I have attended ... outside of a young marrieds Sunday School class once!  Something to consider ...