Bride of ChristIn the first chapter of Genesis, God creates “man and woman” in his image. In chapter two we get the details of how Adam and Eve were created. In this current generation, the image of God through man and wife (‘Marriage’) is diminishing. Just as Jesus told the Pharisees in Matthew, our hearts are hardened and we look for any reason to get out of a bad situation. We run away and hide. Just like Adam and Eve did! Divorce is everywhere. You see road signs posted everywhere that you can get divorced for just $99.99.

In today’s culture, one of marriage’s most visible enemies is sex. Adultery and homosexuality is growing at an alarming rate. It has never been so easy for the innocence of our children to be corrupted by premature exposure to sex. The curse of Sodom and Gomorrah is evident.

How can a child grow to be a responsible, moral adult — adhering to good values and honorable ethics if his/her parents are not there to guide, lead, and show him/her the right way? How can mom and dad represent the image of God when their love only works during the good times? Can godliness exist without strong parents loving and honoring each other for better or worse? You will have troubles in your marriage. You will have tragedy. Death, illness, lies, deceit, betrayal, and lust will not be foreign adversaries to any marriage. However, it is through our personal sacrifices that we gain victory of over those enemies and our marriages evolve into the image of Christ.

We are the bride of Christ. There is a reason why God uses marriage as the picture of His relationship with us. Marriage is lifelong. Other than your commitment to God, it is the greatest covenant and commitment a man and a woman can have to each other and the world. The purpose for marriage is not for procreation. More importantly, it serves as a testament to the world that God is Holy, alive and beautiful.