Wedding or marriage?

Misplaced matrimonial priorities | Text:Genesis 1:26-28; 1:18-25

Reflection:

God made man and saw his need for a partner. God created woman as the answer to that problem. Woman is a solution to a problem, she is not a problem. Further, God demonstrates that "being one by creation" and "being one by covenant" is different. When woman existed within the man, she did not have a distinct personality or ability to self express/ self-determine. She was one with man by creation and by virtue of that fact it was without conflict with her will as neither he, nor she had any say in the matter. By pulling the woman out and forming her individually, God created a union that was held together by covenant (not obligation). God entrusted to mankind the power to leave. The power of choice. Covenant is maintained by the mutual discipline and agreement and honoring of the vows entered into by the parties.

Weddings today are viewed as being necessary for the success of the marriage. False, the first marriage had no 'wedding'. No guests, No cake, no rings, no gown and tux, no honeymoon. Just Jesus the High priest and the intended parties to the covenant.

Weddings a to be celebrations of the marriage of two persons and their entry into covenant. If they are elevated beyond their rightful place of a traditional event which holds no true inherent value for the quality of the actual marriage, we are likely to see this casting a pallor on the (oftentimes) anticlimactic drudgery of covenant love. Also, many couples struggle with the weight of traditional demands and keeping up with the societal expectations that grand weddings must happen. This is why you'll hear a couple say "we're not married because we can't afford the wedding". Also, the stress involved with planning weddings can lead to a lot of pre-marital and marital conflict and a trail of debt.

Is that really what God intended for our partnerships? Refocus on that which is scripturally relevant. If you can afford the fandangles, fine, have fun with it; but never lose sight of the essentials.

Prayer

Lord help me to understand your heart re marriage and never exalt the traditions of men above the requirements of your word.

Amen.