Marriage is simple. But, simple isn’t always easy. Let’s start with defining what’s simple and then click the link at the bottom to learn how to pull it off.
I recently read a book entitled, Joker One. It is the story of a Marine Platoon that served in Iraq in 2004 in some of the toughest house-to-house fighting in the war in Iraq.
One of the things that allows the Marine Corps to be so effective in this type of intense fighting is preparation and leadership. When Marines are told to do something, they do not hesitate. They have been trained to follow the order of their commanding officer immediately. Whatever he says, they do. Wherever he goes, they follow.
Almost immediately after I finished reading Joker One, I received an article entitled “Follow the Leader”. Here is an excerpt from what Pastor and teacher, Tony Evans, had to say in that short article:
Married couples have a leader to follow as well. Certainly there are divine roles assigned to both husband and wife in regard to leadership, but both husband and wife need to submit to the voice of their Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
I don’t think it’s an accident that the first recorded miracle of Jesus takes place at a wedding. Part way through the wedding party, the unthinkable happens: they run out of wine! Jesus responds to his mother’s request, who obviously knows who He is and what He is capable of, and proceeds to turn water into wine.
But what happens in the middle of this famous story is of interest. Knowing that her son is about to perform a miracle, Mary says to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
Then Jesus gave some specific instructions to the servants: 1) Fill the water pots with water, 2) Draw some out, 3) Take it to the headwaiter. The servants followed their instructions, the headwaiter approved, and the party came back to life.
Married life may come with its own unexpected surprises. After the first year of your marriage, you and your new spouse receive a hefty tax bill instead of a refund. Your in-laws move in weeks after your wedding. A young child who was happy growing up suddenly reaches adolescence and challenges everything you say. It’s at times like these I would remind you of mother Mary’s wise words: “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
Following Jesus is not a part-time endeavor. Staying tuned to the sound of His voice and obedient to His call makes all the difference between marital bliss and marital disaster.”
Tony Evans
As I pondered Tony Evans’ words, I was struck by the simplicity of Mary’s words: Whatever He says to you, do it.
Can it really be that simple? Consider these passages:
- “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
- “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you?” Luke 6:46
- “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” John 14:21
There is no substitute for obedience. If you are a Marine, not obeying your commanding officer can cost you your life, or the life of your fellow Marine.
In your marriage, not obeying the Lord can cost you your marriage, your family, and possibly your legacy.
In your marriage, not obeying the Lord can cost you your marriage, your family, and possibly your legacy.
The choice is up to you and to me.
But, as I said in the beginning…obedience isn’t easy. In fact, it is impossible without some help. Click here to understand how you can pull it off.
SUGGESTED PRAYER: Lord, I hear the words of your mother, “Whatever He says to you, do it”, and I am reminded that my call as your disciple is to follow and obey. Lord, I desire to follow you wholeheartedly, but my sinful selfishness holds me back. Forgive me, Lord, for not obeying you. Help me to be filled and controlled by your Spirit so that I can have the power to obey and follow.
