Living Hope in Marriage

For those of us who are married we all have a story that speaks of the romantic drama that brought together, special moments and conversations that set us on our trajectory together. What a joy to recall that story! Perhaps we have been impressed by others that marriage is a fragile flower that needs to be cared for, nurtured and protected from the elements? Unfortunately, statistically, divorce rates are the same for a Christian marriage as for those who do not claim Christ as Lord. How, then does the Christian marriage thrive not just survive?

Our Living Hope in Christ shines in the home when the wife and husband follow God's design (1 Peter 3:1-7). The wife and husband both are to be like Christ in the same way. Just as Jesus gave himself up (2:21-25) the husband and wife are to mutually submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21) in their respective responsibilities. The wife is to place herself under the leadership of her husband (3:1-6) and her beauty is to begin with a quiet and gentle heart. The husband is to submit to the wife by being considerate and respectful or her thoughts, ideas and needs. If he does this his prayers will be heard (vs. 12). If not, his prayer life and intimacy with God will be greatly hindered, influencing the protection and direction the family.

 To have a wife that is leading the home is actually contrary to God's design. To have a husband that is passive and not leading, inconsiderate and disrespectful of his wife is equally contrary. Husband and wife lead the home by God's design so that your home life, family and neighborhood are blessed. The world needs to see the Christian’s Living Hope through your marriage. If you do this you will shine like a star in our dark universe.