The Value of Being a Good Spouse
One of the kindest things God did for humans was to institute marriage.
Marriage is not a Christian ordinance. it is a general concept for all mankind (Genesis 2:24). It is the oldest of all earthly institutions.
Let us notice some things of value to every marriage.
Spiritual help. There is no greater relationship help in going to heaven than the constant help of a loving mate. It is difficult for one to make it through the strait and narrow passage of life; however a good spouse, who has common values and a common love for God, certainly helps.
One’s loyalty to God will be made evident as he tries to help his family grow spiritually. It will also be seen as she sets priorities in rearing children to believe in and respect the God of heaven. Spouses with respect for God treat each other with respect. The husband loves his wife as himself; the wife is in subjection to her husband (Ephesians 5:25–33).
Child-rearing. Your faith is a great tool to make your family a better one. Children see the faith of parents in action in making good choices, so their faith grows. Parents have the assurance that God will answer their constant prayer for wisdom to guide their children in the right way (James 1:3–5).
Heirs together. Husbands and wives are “heirs together for the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7). No other way in life leads to such blessings. Zacharias and Elizabeth are a good example: “They were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6). —Author Unknown
“Marriage is honorable among all” Hebrews 13:4
Bad Mosquitoes
When my grandson, Billy, and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, “It’s no use, Grandpa. The mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights.”—Author Unknown
“A merry heart does good” Proverbs 17:22
Better Judge
When the famous politician and orator William Jennings Bryan (1860–1925) was a young man, he went to the home of the father of his prospective wife to ask him for her hand in marriage.
Bryan was determined to impress the father by quoting from the Bible, and he chose Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.”
Bryan was unnerved when the father replied by quoting Paul: “He who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better” (1 Corinthians 7:38).
Bryan, never at a loss for words, said: “Yes, but Paul had no wife and Solomon had 700. Therefore, I believe Solomon ought to be the better judge as to marriage.” —Doc’s Daily Chuckle
There is no contradiction here, of course. Paul spoke of a local situation—a “present distress” (1 Corinthians 7:26)—which made it a bad time to begin a marriage, but did not trump the general truth of the benefits of marriage (Genesis 2:22–24).
