Our children constantly watch and often imitate our behavior. Each day we provide them with models of behavior. This is especially true when it comes to marriage!
Marriage is the most sacred relationship that two people can share. It is a relationship that God monitors very carefully and our children. What kind of marriage model should we be giving our children? What does the One who created marriage want them to see?
Discipleship
- If our children are going to be able to see a good model of a spouse, they first need to see a good model of a disciple. They first need to see a Christian who truly loves the Lord and is genuine in their faith (Matthew 22:37; 2 Timothy 1:5).
- Teaching God’s word is one of the great responsibilities given to parents (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). We can’t expect our children to take our Bible teaching seriously if they don’t first see us living the teaching.
- If our children first recognize that we are true disciples, then we will have the influence we need to teach them how to live for God in every aspect of their lives.
Commitment
- Commitment to our spouse for a lifetime is something we promised our spouse on our wedding day. This promise is rooted in Bible teaching (Matthew 19:1-9).
- While Jesus does provide a biblical exception to divorce in Matthew 19:9, Matthew 19:4-8 emphasizes God’s will for commitment. God ultimately desires married couples to be committed to their relationship until death separates them (Romans 7:1-3).
- In a culture where at least half of all first-time marriages end in divorce, we need to model for our children a determination to stay with our spouse no matter what challenges we face.
Romance
- God wants romantic love to be a part of marriage (Song of Solomon 1:15-17; 3:11; 4:1-5; 7:1-11; 8:13-14). A husband and his wife should be “intoxicated” with their love (Proverbs 5:19).
- Children need to see their parents hug and kiss. They need to see them go on “date nights,” flirt, and constantly compliment one another.
- Kids would rather see their parents in love than to constantly see them argue, fuss, and fight!
Jesus
- Marriage is designed to reflect Jesus’ sacred relationship with His bride – the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). Children should see the love of Jesus in our marriages.
- They should see sacrifice, godly leadership, submission, humility, patience, gentleness, and reverence. They should see kindness and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32).
- They should see how wonderful and blessed marriage can be when done according to the Lord’s plan!
Conclusion:
If we want our children to please God someday, then we need to show them how to please Him in our marriages today!