Has anyone ever asked you, “Is the light on in your marriage?”
About 17 years ago, a single young woman bought a cocker spaniel puppy from us. (We already had two grown dogs at the time and had agreed to sell this one for our older daughter).
Unfortunately, I had already become attached to it. When I watched that sweet puppy walk out of our lives, I couldn’t hold back the tears. Can you believe that? Before she left, my husband reached over and gave me a tender reassuring hug–nothing unusual.
A Marriage Like Yours
The young lady brought the dog back the next day. Her landlord refused to allow it into the apartment complex. As we talked, she said something totally unexpected: “Someday, I want a marriage like yours.”
“What do you mean?” I hardly knew the girl, and she knew nothing about my marriage.
“You know, the way your husband hugged you when I left yesterday. I could tell you love each other by the look in your eyes.”
Is the Light On in Your Marriage?
It was a simple observation, but we got the message. People are watching our marriages to see if the light’s really on. Before that young lady left, we had the privilege of introducing her to the only Light we know–Jesus Christ.
Even the best marriages experience ups and downs. In fact, we were able to share with that young lady how God’s grace and light had kept us strong even through our times of darkness and greatest marriage mistakes. And we made plenty of those!
But the kind of relationship we have with one another tells a story to those who observe our marriages. And others will be watching. The little things, the big things, how we handle crises, how we treat each other–they all form a picture to those outside our relationship.
God’s desire is that our marriage picture Christ’s relationship with the Church (the entire Body of Christ followers on earth). Jesus loved the Church and died for us. While we’re not required to give up our lives for one another in marriage, Christ does want us to demonstrate that kind of love to our spouse–an undying, steadfast, faithful-to-the-end love. (See Ephesians 5 for God’s blueprint).
What Kind of Testimony Does Your Marriage Give?
What kind of testimony does your marriage give to others? Do they see a picture of Christ and His love? Does your marriage light the way for them to a find a relationship with Jesus?
Plagued with failure? It’s never too late to begin again. Start where you are. Today is a great time to recommit your lives to each other.
Single? Pray for Others
Are you single? Would you commit to pray for marriages you know, that God would make them a strong picture of His love and a testimony to others of what Jesus did and can do in our lives?
Strong Marriages, Strong Families, Strong Nation
Strong marriages and strong families will make a nation strong, if they accurately picture the love of Christ to others. That “little light” of ours will become a lighthouse to others to help them find Jesus.
P.S. We kept that cocker spaniel. She brought lots of “puppy love” into our home for 11 years, long after the other two dogs had gone. We kept her as a reminder of the simple ways that God’s love–and our marriages can draw others to Him.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV).
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord, keep our marriages strong. Thank you for giving each man and wife in marriage a picture of Your love in Your Word through Christ’s love for the Church. Help us all to reflect Your light in our marriages so that others might see Jesus in us. Push out the dark spaces and light up all the places with Your light. You are the true Light of the World, and You are the only One who can make our marriages what they should be. For those who are hurting, You are the only One who can mend the broken places and rekindle the dying flames in marriage. Help us fight for our marriages, Lord! Make us strong, so our nation can renew its strength and its commitment to You as well. Thank you for Your faithfulness in our lives daily. You light up our lives!
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
It’s Your Turn
What about you? Is the light on in your marriage? I’d love to hear from you anytime. You can always write me through my contact page. Just fill out the basic name and address info, and then the e-mail will come to me. Your name or info is not shared with anyone.
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