This is the temporal goal of my marriage. The goal is “they are no longer two but one flesh.” This takes sacrifice.
I must confess I often forget the “shall” part in Jesus words in Mark 10:8. Jesus in that verse explained why divorce happens. Hardness of hearts and a lost of understanding what marriage is all about are the general things that lead to most “no fault” divorces. Divorce is not in our vocabulary but thick headedness is unfortunately.
I get frustrated that my wife and I are not always on the same page. I often forget she needs me to not only lead but to meet her needs of partnership. I often makes decision including how I use my time and projects I get involved in without the foresight of remembering I am no longer just my own. I’m working on that. If you are married are you working on that?
Guys, lead in your marriage but do it with your wife at your side. Ladies, asks your husbands to lead in this. Work it out as you work out your love for one another. Ladies be patient, sometimes men (myself included) are pretty dense. Gentlemen remember the goal.
Two shall become one is good marriage counseling advice. Remember this isn’t Dr. Phil’s advice. This isn’t even Will’s advice. This is Jesus advice. Marriage means at times (sometimes a lot of the times) sacrificing you so that two can become one. Do not just be with your partner but learn to be one with them. Marriage is a call to die to self. It is a call to live for unity.
And the two shall become one flesh. Going to try and go take my own advice now. To reach the goal you got to practice and work at it. Going to go spend the rest of the night with my wife.
Possibly related posts:
- humble masculinity & femininity, part 2
- A bit of marital advice
- Sojourns with Jesus
- Perspective
- what God would say to Jon and Kate + 8, reflections on being a Dad