First Love

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” Matthew 6:33

A mother curled up on the bed with her little 5-year-old daughter. Together they watched the movie, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” She was so excited when the story was over. Her dad came home from work and she ran out to greet him and said, “Dad, can I tell you the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs?” He said, “Sure.” She started telling the story and then she gets down to where the prince kisses Snow White and she awakens from her deep sleep. Then the little girl said, “Daddy, do you know what happened then?” The dad, knowing how fairy tales always end, said, “Sure! They lived happily ever after.” She said, “Oh no, daddy…they got married. ”

Is it really possible to get married and live happily ever after? It is not only possible, but it is the will of God. If it is God’s will for all marriages to be happy, then why is the reality that so many are not? A recent survey said that 75% of married people would describe their marriage as less than happy. Scores of young adults, terrified of committing to marriage and ending up miserable, are instead opting to live together first to “try things out” before making a life-long commitment. Or, they are choosing to live together without ever marrying, believing that they, “don’t need a piece of paper to show that we love each other.”

The truth is, however, that being happily married is not about finding the right person. It is about being the right person. And becoming the right person begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is impossible to have a marriage that honors and glorifies God without Christ at its center. Each person individually must be surrendered to live within marriage in the way that God says to live. This involves loving one another through service, forgiveness, kindness, understanding, respect, and physical intimacy, just to name a few.

Why aren’t more marriages happy ones? The answer is that too many married people aren’t first in love with Jesus. A deep, growing relationship with Him will always lead to enriched relationships with others…and none more so than marriage.

Dear Jesus, help me to understand that I must first love and commit to you and your ways before I can commit to another person. Teach me every day to know you more and more because this will help me become closer to those I love.