Why Did I Get Married? (Part Two)

So what makes a Christian marriage different from other marriages? I have heard the following answers "Two Christians who love God" "Couple that goes to church together" "We read our Bible together and pray regularly" I believe those are great attributes to have in a relationship, but is that all that makes us different? The reason that this question is important is that Christians are getting divorced just a quick as those who do not follow God. Why is that? If my neighbor is not a Christian and my marriage looks no different than theirs then there is something wrong with my marriage.

There is a concept that is presented several times throughout Scripture that embodies what God wants for each of our marriages. This concept is called 'covenant'. Covenant can be described as an official acknowledgement of God's promises to man and man's intent to accept and be obedient to God's promises and commandments. There are several Scripture throughout the Bible that discusses covenant.

In Genesis 9:8-17, God makes a covenant through and with Noah that He would never again flood the Earth. In this covenant God makes a permanent promise to man that He would not break regardless of what they did. God does not ask man to do anything but accept the covenant. We can have confidence that the world will not be destroyed by water because of the trust we have in the promises of God.

In Genesis 12:1-7 we see God calling Abram to "leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." God promises to make Him into a great nation and to bless his name. Abram's part of this covenant was to simply leave and follow God. The passage does not tell of Abram's relationship with God prior to this point, but Abram does this and God blesses him. Once again confidence is a part of this relationship because of the trust that was present.

Imagine a relationship where two people trusted each other and God enough that they make a promise to stay together forever. Some would say that doesn't make sense. This type of relationship could be too risky because the other person may change their mind or not do their part. What would you do then? I am convinced that a marriage based on covenant would tend to outlast any other type of marriage because the focus is put on God and working toward keeping your promise. If I am basing the security of my marriage on the ability of my partner not to sin or mess up then I have a relationship that is a contract.

Tomorrow I want to discuss what a contract marriage looks like and how it is not something that no one should desire.