Marriage was never intended by our Heavenly Father to be a difficult union. It is infinitely more than a legal contract. From the very beginning, God established marriage as a sacred covenant. In Genesis 2:24 (NLT), we read, “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” There can be no doubt that God designed this union to be a source of support, love, and spiritual growth for families. His Will is that children are nurtured and grow into adults who love Him, honor His Word, and live by the example of Jesus Christ.
God’s plan for marriage goes beyond companionship and it is nothing to be taken lightly; it’s a partnership that reflects His love and commitment to us. Ephesians 5:25 (NLT) instructs, “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.” This verse highlights the depth of sacrifice and devotion that should characterize a Christian marriage. It’s meant to be a relationship where both partners support each other and work together to fulfill God’s purposes on earth.
Marriage is a true blessing, and it pleased our Heavenly Father to establish it for our fulfillment and spiritual well-being. In Genesis 2:18 (NLT), God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” This shows us that marriage is part of His plan for our completeness and companionship. However, we must be always careful not to place the institution above the One who created and established it.
Jesus Christ commanded us to keep our eyes focused on our relationship with God. In Matthew 6:33 (NLT), he instructed, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” When our reverence for God doesn’t exceed our desire for marriage, our faith is not fueled with the right believing it needs. This happens to many of us. Our desire for marriage surpasses our commitment to God, and we risk building our relationship on a shaky foundation. We start out on the wrong foot and never quite march together with the bond a husband and wife should share.
In Matthew 6:21 (NLT), Jesus enlightens us about the connection between our values and our priorities. He tells us: “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” What we treasure reveals the true focus and direction of our hearts. So, if what we treasure isn’t sending a clear signal about our preeminent love, honor, and obedience towards God, we need to make a shift in our prayer life. Rather than praying so predominately about marriage, we need to pray as the Psalmist did in Psalm 51:10 (NLT), “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”
Deciding to love someone requires a daily sacrifice and choices that convey our commitment to the example of Christ. It means continually putting aside our own desires to consider what’s best for the other person. This ongoing process of selflessness transforms two individuals into one united entity. As Matthew 19:6 (NLT) succinctly puts it, “Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” This verse emphasizes divine unity. It reminds us that God’s Will is that once we come together, we remain united and protect the bond we’ve created.
Our modern times really show how tough this can be for many people. With so many distractions and pressures, staying committed and united can be very challenging. It’s easy to let individual desires and conflicts drive a wedge in the marriage, but God’s call and Will for marriage remains unchanged. He invites us to focus on the true treasure—our relationship with Him. He’s the One who holds our tomorrows in His hands, and when storms rage, His love is the glue that holds everything together. Seeking Him first in all things, allowing Him to guide us, and trusting His Word helps us navigate the complexities of relationships. When this is our treasure, our marriages will be pleasing to God, and they will be in harmony with His divine plan for unity, love, and bringing everything together under the authority of Jesus Christ. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Wherever Your Treasure Is”, written for Walk in the Light Outreach ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!
