Several months ago I read “The Marriage Masterpiece” by Al Janssen and published by Focus On The Family. It provided me with an interesting insight into my marriage and why I think it has been able to survive life events that would typically destroy a relationship.

In the days of the ancients, when a man and woman became betrothed to one another it could only be undone through infidelity or death. The father of both the man and the woman would slit the throat of a goat and then walk through the blood to signify the covenant being made between the two families. Becoming engaged was serious business and not something one entered into lightly.

The word covenant has significance. Notice I did not use the word commitment. A covenant is very different from a commitment.

Covenants are traditionally made with God as a witness. Covenants are also made with other witnesses present and the seriousness of the covenant made clear. Marriage was always intended to be a covenant between God and His creations.

Today’s marriage ceremonies have evolved away from the elements of covenant making and have become little more than commitment ceremonies that provide an “out” if things don’t go well. Of course, no one expects today’s wedding planning to include animal sacrifice. But, very often, the bride and groom simply recite pretty words – perhaps removing any reference to God at all – and never understand the sanctity of what they are entering into.

My wife and I were an exception. Although no one ever sat us down before our wedding to explain what we were getting into, I think we both inherently knew that God intended for us to make more than a passing commitment to one another. And, it is that depth of understanding regarding the Lord’s plan for marriage that has kept us together through some of the worst trials a marriage can endure – child loss, chronic illness, infidelity, addiction, financial woes. He has tested our union and, because we built upon a foundation of Godly purpose rather than the shifting whims of the world, we have weathered the storms.

In a season of disposable unions, broken commitments, and attempts to redefine what God ordained, how grateful I am to be part of a God-pleasing relationship that honors the holiness of marriage.

Be blessed.

Rick