The portrait should point beyond itself...

I have been going to a great church in Greenville. The pastor has been doing a series on marriage and even though I'm not married, I have learned alot! Today we discussed why marriages fail and the purpose of marriage. God created marriage and it is gift. "Marriage is designed by God to magnify His loyal love." I've heard it put that marriage is like a triangle. Two people focusing on loving God and He in turn brings them together. The more these two people love God, the more they will learn to love each other the right way. Marriage is a picture of God's love for us. When people only focus on the portrait, their marriages become strained, but when they look beyond the portrait they understand what they represent- God's love for the Church. "Marriage is a beautiful pleasure that is satisfying, but again it points beyond itself to the ULTIMATE love." This phrase was so powerful to me. God designed marriage to be beautiful and satisfying, but only that it should reflect Him. I have seen so many couples who are consumed with the perfect picture.... the beautiful house, good jobs, cute kids... and yes, the picture is pretty, but it represents nothing. I heard the testimony of a young couple who chose to live in low income housing for the purpose of reaching their neighbors with the Gospel. They just graduated from college and had really great jobs. Instead of focusing on the "American Dream" they decided to follow God's leading and show His love to those around them. They may not have much, but they have each other, their love and desire for God, and a desire to point others to Christ.

I know I have so much more to learn about marriage. But I pray that my marriage will be consumed in God and that our portrait will point to something beyond itself- our Savior.

"Marriage is not to replace heaven, but to prepare for it."