Two couples lived in the same compound. One would show open affection, loving each other, to the admiration of the other couple. The wife would tell her husband, “Can’t we be like the other couple?” Unknown to them, this “perfect” couple had an internal crisis going on in their marriage. Just a few days later, they were divorced. Their marriage wasn’t as strong as they projected.
Friend, you need to build a strong marriage, not a fake one. Pay attention to the real deal in marriage, not just the cosmetics (Proverbs 24:10). Loving each other in public is good. But let it not be all there is to your marriage. Ensure that it’s working in private (Matthew 6:1-6).
Marriage can be likened to a piece of cake. Most times, the icing and decoration are what attract people, but what we’re looking for is the real cake. Of what use is an attractive icing or decoration on a bad cake (Hosea 7:8-9)? Children love icing. Adults go for the real cake.
Knowing what to look for in a marriage is one proof of your growth and maturity. Don’t be a husband or wife who’s still a child (1 Corinthians 13:11). It would show in what you prioritize and spend your time and energy on. It would show in the outcome of your life and marriage.
How strong is your marriage? How deep are your love and marital practices (Luke 6:46-49)? Are they mere cosmetics? Is your marriage only beautiful on the surface but empty on the inside (2 Timothy 3:5)? Are you only concerned about the style without paying attention to the substance?
Singles, know what really makes marriage work. Married folks, learn to model correctly (Isaiah 51:1-2, 1 Peter 3:1-7). Let your marriage be so deep and strong that it can navigate different seasons without cracking or bulging (Matthew 7:24-27). Let your marriage be unshakable.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria