The relationship between a husband and a wife is threefold. It’s positional. It’s purpose. It’s performance. If an individual does not respect and honor the marital position of their spouse or understand and appreciate the purpose their spouse is called into and serves in their relationship, they will not value how their spouse performs in the marriage. Positionally, they must value and respect the place their spouse holds in their lives. They have to understand that their spouse is priority over any and all other relationships, outside of their relationship with God. And because they honor and respect the position of their spouse in the marriage, they will protect, nurture and steward their marriage in a way that promotes marital security and longevity.
Marriage is also purpose. When an individual enters into a marriage, they must have an understanding of God’s Divine purpose for marriage–not just their marriage. Then they must come to an understanding of why God placed them in their spouse’s life specifically. And why God placed them in their lives. Embracing purpose in a marriage promotes intimacy, servitude and sacrifice. It keeps the marriage in line with God’s Divine intentions and purpose for marriage. It also creates a path for guidance and direction that creates harmony and oneness because both have committed to walking in the same direction to fulfill the same Divine purpose.
Marriage is also performance. Both the husband and the wife are called into this relationship positionally and purposefully. But they must also perform. God has given both the husband and the wife specific roles to playin this Divine union of marriage. Whenever roles and duties are abandoned, neglected or abused, individuals suffer and marital harmony and union is compromised. However, even when an individual effectively and consistently performs within the marriage, if the other spouse never develops a consistent mindset and appreciation for marital position and purpose, how the other performs won’t be valued or appreciated either. In other words, they can do everything right but it still won’t be enough.
True commitment in marriage has to include a commitment to the individual. But it also has to include a commitment and understanding of covenant. Covenant recognizes that God brings the two together. But covenant also continues to seek God to keep them together.
*Tressa Jo
BeyondSeeLevel 