When one young couple decided to make a commitment to each other, and to God, they selected their wedding rings and had them engraved. The message inside read, “Together for HIM,” plus the date they were to make their vows.
What did all that mean? It meant that they were committing their lives to each other and to God for His work. The rings were a testimony of their intentions. The young man had long wanted to preach the Gospel, and the girl had dreamed of being a preacher’s wife. Goals had been set; plans were being made. Each had adjustments to make in order to meet expectations. They knew there would be hardships, but they were willing to face those obstacles together. They knew there would be criticism (though they had no idea how much!), but they were willing to face that, too. As a preacher’s family, they knew they would live in the proverbial “glass house,” but they knew the rewards would far outweigh the temporary, earthly sadness. When they considered what was really important in life, they wanted to be pleasing to the Lord by reaching out to His other disciples and to the lost, but they also had to keep the success of their own marriage in mind. What would God have them do that would enable them to keep their eyes on the mark He had set for them?
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain” (1 Corinthians 9:24 KJV). Everyone who determines to “run the race” must resolve to “stick with it.” They must see and understand the steps necessary to reach the goal. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Whether it is new Christians or a newly married couple, they must keep their eyes on the mark that will give them the prize. They must work toward having a marriage that will not only glorify God but also fulfill their own expectations.
Their goal would help them be victorious in bringing many souls to salvation. The goal this young couple had in mind was to do whatever they did in word or deed all in His name and for His sake. They understood that Christians are to serve the Lord by learning to love the brethren. Being in the position they had chosen would give them ample opportunity.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:34-40)
In the art of marriage, little things can become big things. Marriage is the most important commitment besides one’s original decision to become a child of God. The marriage of two dedicated Christians can be a force for God that no other force should overcome. However, there will be rocks in the road – especially for the preacher and his wife. Being constantly on display, like preachers’ families are, is one of the biggest hurdles any couple has to face. They, of all people, must keep their focus on God and the work He has given every Christian to do, if the rest is to fall into place.
