Discussing Christian marriage vows can be one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding ceremony. A lot of Christian single engaged couples stumble over Christian marriage vows because of one simple word: submission.
Christian Marriage Vow Controversy
Many traditional Christian marriage vows, in an attempt to express what was thought to be the Bible’s teaching on wives submitting to their husbands, include one little phrase where the bride pledges to “love honor and obey” her mate.
Today, most Christian marriage vows of brides delete the “obey” part, and have replaced it with “cherish”. Some couples have actually had arguments over this issue, to the point of delaying the wedding ceremony.
However, much of the Christian marriage vow controversy we see could be ended if only believers took another long look at what the Bible actually teaches about submission.
Daily Devotional
In our Bible Devotion for today, Pastor Dave Gremban, of Calvary Chapel Ann Arbor, Michigan, expounds on the idea of submssion:
“In Ephesians 5:21-33, we learn about mutual submission (v. 21) in the context of the marriage relationship. In short, a husband is called to submit to his wife by loving her; and a wife is called to submit to her husband by respecting him (v. 33).
“A husband who loves his wife, giving of himself as Christ gave Himself, reflects Christ and His love for the Church (v. 25). A wife who respects her husband
and submits to his leadership reflects the Church and her respect for Christ (v. 23-24).
“Let’s cultivate marriages that communicate this beautiful picture of Christ and the Church! May God’s Spirit enable us to each do our part.”
Bible Verse of Day
-Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.-Ephesians 5:21
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Related to Christian Marriage Vows:
Christian Marriage-How Singles See It
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I officiated an awesome Christian marriage ceremony this past weekend during National Singles Week. How ironic! Many attendees were Christian singles who were also looking forward to their own Christian marriages someday.
I suppose that’s a good thing since God sanctioned marriage from the very beginning: “For this cause shall a man leave his mother and father and join to his wife, and the two become one flesh.” But I guess what really bothers me is that many Christians and Churches act like marriage is the only way to a fullfilled life in Christ. It’s not.
Christian Marriage Celebration
What was refreshing about this most recent Christian Marriage was that the folks we married thoroughly enjoyed their single years. Sure, there were difficult and lonely spots, but both remained satisfied in their circumstances and thankful for their experiences. So, when the Heavenly Father provided that “good and perfect gift” in the form of a Christian marriage to a perfect soulmate, they appreciated it all the more. To top off the celebration, the Bride and Groom ended their Christian marriage ceremony by singing the Third Day song, You Are So Good To Me.
What about you? Are you living your single life in thankfulness and joy, or just barely shlepping through, biding your time as you hope for your own Christian Marriage?
Bible Verse of the Day
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:19,20
Positive Thought
If you don’t feel like celebrating, start counting your blessings
Are you a single Christian with thoughts on Christian marriages?
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I meet so many Christian singles who have a distorted view of marriage and singleness. Somehow many singles have gotten it into their heads that marriage is THE biggest goal to achieve, while singleness is looked on as less desireable.
Unfortunately, a lot of Christians’ thinking about singleness and marriage is reinforced by our church culture. For example, while the greatest missionary in history, the Apostle Paul, was single, many modern day mission boards and churches exclude ministerial candidates unless they are married. Singlehood definitely takes a back seat to married life in the churches.
Of course, this line of thinking is completely assinine and unbiblical, especially in light of our Bible verses of the day found in 1 Coriinthians 7: 32-34:
“I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you’re unmarried, you’re free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master. Marriage involves you in all the nuts and bolts of domestic life and in wanting to please your spouse, leading to so many more demands on your attention. The time and energy that married people spend on caring for and nurturing each other, the unmarried can spend in becoming whole and holy instruments of God.”
How Single Christians Distort Singleness and Marriage
Having a distorted view of singleness and marriage can cause you to lose your joy in the Lord, as well as your contentedness with life in general. What exactly is a distorted view of singleness and marriage? Honestly ask yourself the following questions to see where you stand:
- Do you feel you are incomplete or abnormal as long as you remain single?
- Do you feel that marriage, meeting Mr. or Mrs. Right, will solve all your problems in your life?
- Have you been so self-absorbed with seeking a soulmate for marriage that you have neglected friends, family and fellowship with other believers?
- In your singleness, are you pursuing marriage more than God? (Ouch!)
If you answered any of these questions in the positive, you have an unhealthy view of singleness and marriage.
As singles seeking the Lord over this issue, covenenant with Him in prayer to begin seeing your singleness and marriage as He does. The important thing to remember is that our Heavenly Father did not sanction marriage as the only way to live, or singleness as second best lifestyle.
Are you a Christian singles with a different view of singleness and marriage?
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Christian Dating and Waiting on God
Anxiety Attacks and Being Single
Undoing Depression and Discouragement in Singles
Low Self-Esteem in Christian Singles
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