When you first decide to “ pop the question “ did you ever take a step back and think about the Vows?
The Vows in Marriage Are the MOST Important above anything else. It is Not only between You and Your Spouse, but Also between You and God. Your Vows are an Oath, a Covenant, To God. That is a HUGE Deal. Let’s take a look at what we say:
I ( ) take You, ( ) to be my ( Wife / Husband ) To Have and To Hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, until death do us part. As God is Our Witness.
“To Have and To Hold” = Complete Dedication to Your Spouse.
“For Better or for Worse” = Anyone who is married or is getting married, loves the “for Better” part, it’s the “For Worse” part that couple’s have a hard time dealing with. The wedding is surreal, surrounded by loved ones, party atmosphere, dancing, etc…. But, when it all fades, that is when it’s time to roll up the sleeves and Work Hard on the marriage. No matter how difficult the marriage gets, you need to stay strong…. Things will get better.
“ For richer or for poorer “ = Rich is easy, Poor… Not so easy. There are 3 main difficulties in marriage. Number 1 – Communication. 2. Intimacy. 3. Finances.
Poor isn’t forever. It’s all about priorities… There are all kinds of ways to get debt free, trust me, I know. After almost 24 years of marriage, my wife and I will be debt free! We’ve seen both sides, Rich and Poor. We stayed strong and are enjoying life now, because we didn’t give up.
“In sickness and in health” = This one is where the rubber meets the road. If you can take on Servant hood… You’ve got it made. Anytime your spouse asks you to “serve them” and you have an issue with it, it might be time to take a step back and look at why you are annoyed with them. Serving (To Me) is One of the most Important things you can do for your spouse. It tells them and shows them that you do, in fact, care about them. Weather they are Sick or Healthy.
“”To Love and to Cherish” = This is My Favorite. I Love My Wife with an “Agape Love”. Agape Love = “ A Decision to have total concern for a person’s well being, Physical, Mental and Spiritual, borne out in Action.”
Christ commands me, to Love her as Christ Love’s the church. (Ephesians 5:25)
Also, I need to add (Ephesians 5:22 & 5:24) Re: Wives submitting to their Husbands. That DOES NOT Mean, Whatever they say goes! No Spouse should be railroaded into submission. There should be a care and compassion towards your spouse.
“From this day forward” = It is the Beginning of an Amazing Journey, Fasten your seat belts, For one Fabulous ride! At this point, you are saying goodbye to single life and Hello to Partnership, Servant hood and Sacrifice. But, It is So Worth It!
“Till death do us part” = I look at this, not as a sorrowful day, but a day in which, I will be reunited with my spouse, once again in Heaven. What a Wonderful day that will be!
But until then, I plan on being the Encouraging, Loving Servant, to my wife and children. That’s what makes me their Hero, Not a Zero.
– Jay