Embrace Holiness

What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy? The Institution of Marriage is truly a Sacrament or “Holy Moment”. It’s when we invite God to be present with us in our deepest relationships. “For marriage, as simply as it can be defined, is the contemplation of the love of God in and through the form of another human being.” (The mystery of Marriage, Mike Mason) The following passage in I Peter reveals the truth about introducing holiness into your marriage. As if its a mystery ready to be revealed. “In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives. Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” I Peter 3:1-7 Ultimately the state of our marriage truly impacts and reflects the state of our relationship with God. It’s our godly lives that will speak volumes…without words…but actions. It’s giving and recieving honor…and being considerate of the other. Embracing Holiness requires intentionality journeying together enjoying the gracious gift of new life that only God can bring. Why settle for happiness – when you can embrace holiness…

Clarity

What a great experience – This past week Beth and I had the opportunity to take three nights away from everything and everyone. Honestly it took a good day and 1/2 to realize we really were alone.  Outside of some quality time in our car ride, our fantastic kidfree meals, walks on the beach, finding deals in a clearance center, reading some great books without any interruptions, having our cell phones not working (phone sabbatical week two), exploring a new island, and “sleeping in“, the best part or our trip was talking through the purposes and dreams of God on our lives. “Marriage is the human relationship that most reveals the being, character and purpose of God. This key human relationship is designed to make known who God is and how he relates to this world” (Dan Allender, Intimate Mystery). It’s the one thing I look forward too the most on our trips…discovering and dreaming together. The more we discover and dream together, the clearer God’s purposes for our lives become. Its no surprise how easy it is to get distracted in life…especially when there are 4 little competing voices. Time away is most enriching when the clarity of God’s purposes and dreams comes alive in your conversation. Most people will use the excuse, “we can’t affort to get away” or “we can’t make the time to get away” or “someday we might get away”.  Stop the excuses its time for clarity…the truth is you can’t afford not to!