February 5, 2017
1 Corinthians 7:1-3
I believe that much of the dissatisfaction we experience in marriage comes from expecting too much from it. Though marriage is an amazing institution that reflects God’s creative genius, when we want to get the largest portion of our life’s fulfillment from our relationship with our spouse, that’s asking too much. God didn’t design marriage to compete with himself but to point us to himself. Yes, without a doubt there should be moments of happiness, meaning, and a general sense of fulfillment. And, of course, seeking God together, through our marriage, is certainly fulfilling in itself. But my wife can’t be God, and I was created with a spirit that craves God. Anything less than God, and I’ll feel an ache. Now this is where it gets really interesting. Looked at in this light, rather than competing with or impeding our walk with God, marriage can actually point us to God. (Excerpt from Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas)
What aspect, event, or element of your marriage has taught you the most about how God loves us?
How can a discouraged spouse directly apply the admonition to seek God in the midst of disappointments rather than to obsess over where the spouse falls short? What mental exercises would you suggest?
Can you think of any analogies of your life on how marriage reveals God and his love to the world?
We contrasted a human-centered view of marriage (staying put as long as our desires and expectations are being met) and a God-centered view (preserving the marriage because it brings glory to God and points a sinful world to a reconciling Creator). What most motivates you to maintain and preserve your marital commitment?
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