CCES DEVOTIONALS:
MARRIAGE - WHOSE REFLECTION?
Ephesians 5:1
Be imitators of God.
Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Paul established some principles for marriage that have often been misunderstood. In Bible times, Paul's statement "Wives, submit. . ." was not what shocked the Ephesian church. The shocking concept was "Husbands, love . . . ! The purpose of this directive was that the Christian marriage is to be a reflection of Christ's relationship to His bride, The Church. When others look at the Christian marriage, they are to see Christ's great love reflected in the love the husband has for his wife.
The leadership of the husband is to be a reflection of Christ's leadership of The Church. That would mean a total giving of himself--even unto death--for his wife. It would mean he would have the attitude of a servant, would be nurturing, sacrificial, and loving (John 13:13-15). Christ never bullies, overpowers, or forces anyone to follow Him. He stands patiently at the door and knocks rather than breaking down the door. In 1 Timothy 3:4 the Greek word "rule" means "to stand before as a protector, a guardian, a patron, a champion." Our marriages should never bring dishonor to the name of Christ and the integrity of the Gospel message. When you look in the mirror, does your marriage reflect Christ and His love for the church?
Do some serious thinking and praying about your marriage. What do you need to do to be a better refection of Christ?
Go to the Bible and read Ephesians 5 and apply these principles to your life.
By Elaine Olson
Related Articles and Devotionals:
The Golden Rules to Living in Harmony
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Communication Guidelines for Better Relationships
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