Do You Want a Marriage or a Wedding?

The days are longer, spring is upon us, and guess what else is approaching? Wedding season! This is the time of year when many women put all of their hard work and planning skills to the test. It is also when David’s Bridal, Kleinfeld Bridal, and so many others are taken hostage by thousands of women.

So to prepare for wedding season, I pose the question, “Do you want a marriage or a wedding?” First, let me say that I am not a self proclaimed marriage counselor. Heck, I’ve only been married for 3.5 years and I am definitely that wife that is still wet behind the ears. Even in just that short amount time, I have learned that there is a tremendous difference between marriage and having a wedding. A marriage can last a life time if you allow God to lead it and both partners sacrifice. Meanwhile, a wedding can last 4-6 hours (depending on your planner, and budget).

It’s a true fact: most women look forward to their wedding day. We are elated about the shiny new rock on our finger, the man that we’ve chosen to wed, dress shopping, our honeymoon getaway, and planning that wedding that we’ve always dreamed of. However, many of us have very little idea about how important marriage is to God.

Marriage is a covenant designed by God that is extremely honorable to Him, “Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant,” (Malachi 2:14). As husband and wives, God asks us to act accordingly. Ephesians 5:22 encourages, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” And finally, “Marriage is honorable in all…,” (Hebrews 13:4). These are just some of the verses that God has put in place for us to follow in order to have successful marriages. But what you don’t see here is God providing foundations for successful weddings.

In no way am I downplaying weddings.  I absolutely love attending weddings and really enjoyed my own.  However, I am more impressed with married couples that truly hold their covenant to God’s standards, which later can result in a stronger marriage. If you are someone who is engaged and planning a wedding, or someone praying for marriage in the future, ask yourself tonight’s question, “Am I more excited about the wedding than I am the marriage?” If you are, consider getting your girlfriends together one Saturday and play dress up at a bridal shop.  Because once you say “I Do,” there is no turning back. Also, consider talking to a Christian woman that has been married for a while and reading your bible. These are great ways to learn more about how important marriage is to God.

Marriage is a serious life-changing commitment created by God. This means it is to be nourished, protected, and honored. Are you ready?

KPA

Once raised by a Virtuous single mother, I am now a SAVED and strong Virtuous, Fashionista, that has been freed from a broken heart with God’s love, who accepts when God says ‘No”, who cherishes my best friend, who fears the Lord, who’s best friend is the Lord, that waits on discernment from God, who is living for today, who is a woman of strength, that understands the power of my words, that is aware of God’s presence, is allowing my light to shine, whose growing to be more passionate about serving the Lord, who can listen without pride to constructive criticism, whose fear does not hold me back, who runs to the Lord first about everything, who strives to stay on God’s course, who is saved by the grace of God, who admits to being envious of others at times, who knows my worth, has a calming peace, who gives thanks daily, who wants to be a godly example to others, who is able to forgive my enemies, who has high expectations of me, who has been created in God’s own image, who lovingly submits to my spouse, who understands God's love, has an intimate relationship with God, supports Breast Cancer Awareness, with a family who honors me, Virtuous friends who love me, and with a giving spirit.