Marriage is an institution ordained by God himself and should be treated with great reverence, respect, and honor.
As Christians, it is important to understand the godly order of marriage, which forms the foundation of any marriage and sets it on the course of success.
In this post, we will examine the biblical principles that underpin the godly order of marriage and how they apply to our modern-day relationships.
God is the Head of the Marriage
The godly order of marriage puts God as the head of the marriage. He should be the one directing and guiding the relationship.
In reality, this would mean that both the husband and the wife need to give their relationship to God, surrendering their egos at His feet.
God provides the wisdom and direction that is necessary to navigate any hurdles that may arise in the relationship.
Husband as a leader working with wife
Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs wives to submit to their husbands in everything as to the Lord, and for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
This does not mean that the husband has absolute power over his wife but rather that he should lead his family with love, humility, and wisdom.
The wife, on the other hand, should respect, honor, and support her husband in his role as the head of the family.
Wives as Helpmates to their Husbands
The Bible also indicates that wives are to be helpful to their husbands (Genesis 2:18) and are expected to submit to their husbands and respect him (Ephesians 5:22).
Submission here doesn’t mean being a doormat or the husband bossing the wife around.
It means that the wife trusts the husband to make decisions out of love, and is partnering with him in fulfilling God’s purpose and vision for their family unit.
Mutual Submission
Despite the role differences in the godly order of marriage, there is a mutual submission expected of both the husband and wife.
They are both to serve one another out of love and respect (Ephesians 5:21).
The husband should be willing to listen to his wife and value her opinions, while the wife should respect and appreciate the husband’s leadership.
The Marriage as a Representation of God’s Love
In conclusion, marriage is a God-ordained institution that should be centered around God and His design.
Marriage is a representation of God’s love and grace towards humanity.
The godly order of marriage calls for mutual submission, love, respect, and kindness between the husband and wife.
It’s a reminder that the husband and wife should always take care of their relationship with each other and with God, which will in turn influence and impact the wider community around them.
Husband and wife working together
As the head of the family, the husband has the responsibility to provide for his household; he should work diligently and be a good steward of the resources God has entrusted to him.
The wife, on the other hand, can contribute to the family income but should prioritize her role as the primary caregiver to her children and the manager of the household.
Proverbs 31 gives a detailed description of the godly wife who works hard, is wise, and cares for her family.
Physical and emotional intimacy
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 instructs husbands and wives to fulfill each other’s physical and emotional needs and not to deprive each other of intimacy unless it is by mutual agreement and for a time of prayer.
The physical and emotional intimacy between husband and wife goes beyond sexual expression to include affection, affirmation, and support.
Spiritual growth
Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that a cord of three strands is not easily broken, and as such, husbands and wives should strive to grow together in faith, prayer, and the study of God’s word.
A godly marriage is one where both the husband and wife love God first and foremost and are committed to serving Him and His Kingdom together.
Protecting and nurturing children
Children are a gift from God and should be raised in a loving, nurturing environment where they can grow and mature in their faith and in life.
Proverbs 22:6 instructs us to train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Parents should be intentional about raising their children to love and follow God, teaching them the principles of the Bible and instilling godly values in their hearts.
Marriage isn’t always simple or easy, but following God’s blueprint brings clarity and purpose to the relationship.
It’s important to remember that God has a plan for marriage, which provides the best way to build a stable and lasting relationship with your spouse.
The godly order of marriage promotes respect, love, and mutual submission, which lead to a fulfilling and meaningful relationship.
Remembering that marriage is a covenant between husband, wife, and God is key to building and maintaining a successful marriage for a lifetime.
May God grant us the grace, wisdom, and strength to follow His design for marriage and to remain committed to His purposes in every aspect of our lives.
