Keeping Marriage Holy

By Felix N. Codilla III, Christian Post Contributor Tuesday, March 07, 2017

There are many self-help books on marriage out there providing tips to make marital relationships successful. But there is only one sure formula that provides wedded bliss. As simple as it may sound, only a small percentage of couples adhere to this formula because it would require surrendering their relationship to God.

This is the ideal marriage most couples would like to have but might not be willing to work for. They won't aspire for holiness as it would mean giving up the weekly boys' night out. Some wives give more value to material things over spiritual matters. Some couples are just too lazy to raise their children the right way.

Man's rebellious nature wouldn't allow him to surrender anything because he wants to be in control, something his partner also thinks of. They both want to be in control. This results in a power play between couples that leads to conflicts and disagreements.

So what's the formula for a successful marriage? By simply trying to attain holiness. Most people would associate the sanctity of marriage to keeping the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). That is correct but it's more than that. Keeping the marriage holy is following the Scripture's instructions.

This can only be done by making Jesus a central part of the marriage. Without Him, it would be impossible to aspire for holiness. By offering the marriage to God, couples can only think of pleasing Him which leaves no room for temptations and worldly desires.

From there, it would be easy to follow the Bible's instructions. The husband will respect his wife as his equal by not relying solely on his decisions and consulting her opinion (1Peter 3:7). He will love her, cherish her and protect her just as Jesus commanded (1Peter 3:7).

The wife will honor her husband (1Peter 3:1-5) and won't do anything that would bring shame to the family. She will be a source of pride to her husband and children. She will rear her kids in God's ways so they will grow up instilled with solid values that would guide them in doing only what is good and right.