Honor Marriage… “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is a sacred institution of God and it is not to be taken lightly, or treated with disrespect. It is easier in most cases to get a marriage license than a driver’s license, but this does not give you a license to live a reckless marriage. To honor marriage means there is an understanding of commitment and a preparation for its success. Marriage requires much more than love. It is not just a convenient way to guarantee sex, and then divorce when you get tired of one another, or no longer love one another. To honor your marriage is to make a lifetime dedication to one person. Just as Jesus is committed and faithful to his bride the church for eternity (Revelation 19:7), so is your marriage commitment.
Moreover, keep your marriage bed pure. You honor marriage when you keep the Lord’s definition of a man and a woman exclusively devoted and in love with each other, under the submission of Almighty God. Do not chase after a fantasy of sexual perfection with someone other than your spouse. Sex outside of marriage is wrong and breaks the heart of God, and it crushes the spirit of your spouse. It is not a causal infraction for its effects are for a lifetime. However, leave it to God and a scriptural process on how and when to judge the adulterer. Hold back your rocks of verbal assault and forgive (John 8:3-11). Most importantly, prevent unfaithfulness by keeping your marriage bed pure and honorable by falling deeper and deeper in love with the man or woman God has given you.
Lastly, create boundaries together. For example, commit to one another that divorce is not an option. This fidelity to your mate starves fear, intimidation and manipulation. Furthermore, agree to never be alone with someone of the opposite sex. This is a way to honor each other and never finding yourselves in a compromising situation, or, at the very least, avoiding the appearance of evil. A marriage discipline of fidelity takes effort, definition, and accountability. Yes, you trust your wife or husband, but do not be naïve to think that temptation, Satan and other lonely souls are not out to snare your spouse (Proverbs 7:10-23).
Be on the offensive by planning purity. One way to plan purity is to honor your spouse with your words. Disappointing and dissatisfying words about your husband or wife, which are shared indiscreetly with the opposite sex, will fuel the fires of unfaithfulness. Unfaithfulness starts with words, is furthered by a disrespectful attitude, and is executed by actions facilitated over a meal or a walk with a ‘friend’. Therefore, remain true to your marriage vows and your marriage mate, by exercising patience and understanding. Be smart and create a robust love life, for a satisfying sex life at home is a strong preventative to adultery outside the home. Above all else, honor your marriage by first honoring God!
