Day 8 - Marriage is Like a Wounded Soldier

I know of certain Christians who won't marry another Christian because one believes in speaking in tongues and the other one does not...or one believes that communion is physically the blood and body of Jesus Christ and the other one says it's only symbolic...or one believes that Saturday is God's holy day and the other one says it's Sunday.

Are you kidding me? I mean, maybe these things are points of debate and discussion and hurt feelings...but I would give my right arm just to have my husband attend a church service or say a prayer at dinner time without being asked to do so, or for him to tuck the children into bed and lead them in a story of Esther and how God used her...But to knit-pick spiritual gifts or other topics of debate? I really, really can't wrap my head around the above arguments and points of contention. Do you each believe in Christ? Do you each pray for His guidance? Then...what's the big deal?

Marriage involves two totally individual people who have totally different upbringings and thought processes and emotions. To expect your significant other or soon-to-be spouse to agree on every single religious doctrine is...absurd?

After having been married for nearly 20 years now, I can honestly say that I'm not the same woman I was 20 years ago. I've "evolved" (Little "e"). I've matured...grown into myself...learned and changed.

So even if you DO agree on every single religious doctrine at age 24 does not mean that, after 20 years of marriage, three children, deaths in the family, financial losses, and every other emotional stress a marriage endures, you will be the same person as you were when you married.

Marriage isn't about loving someone so long as they agree whole-heartedly with everything you believe. Marriage is about loving your spouse despite your differences. Praying for your marriage when you disagree, and standing firm on the vows you spoke before God and your family members and friends, even when the going gets tough.

Marriage is not like a run-down vehicle that has so many things wrong with it, it's better to junk it and buy a newer model.

No, marriage is like a wounded soldier: You will carry your wounded mate towards safety, despite the risks you face. You guide your spouse towards the hospital for proper care and healing. And then you stand next to each other as comrades, despite the fact that one now has a limp or scars from battle.

"Let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband." 1 Corinthians 7: 2

Anyhow, that's my 2 cents worth for today.