Sacred Marriage

Ok, so if you haven't read the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas - you need to!!! I read it for the first time years ago, but am re-reading it again and it is SO good.

Basically, the premise of the book is, "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?" Another quote on the back of the book says, "Your marriage is more than a sacred covenant with another person. It is a spiritual discipline designed to help you know God better, trust him more fully, and love him more deeply."

Honestly, the first time I read the book I was offended. When I first read the tag on the front cover I thought to myself, "Wow, this guy must have a bad marriage." (For the record I was un-married at that time.)And I couldn't have been more wrong!

What I love about this book is the clear voice it gives to the truth that marriage is truly about making us more Christ-like, and not just about making us feel good. I think that even many believers jump into marriage expecting it to be this magical satisfying experience - one that they've always waited for... only to find that it is difficult, and not at all what they expected.

This is the Lord's gift to us! We were never meant to be satisfied in our spouse, but in knowing and serving God in whatever circumstance He calls us.

If marriage were a be-all end-all, than why isn't their marriage in heaven? Exactly!

If any of you are struggling with being dis-satisfied with your marriage or struggling with being dis-satisfied even in your singleness - I'd highly recommend this book. I think it brings clarity to a topic that can be a little taboo - especially in Christian circles. And ultimately I think the book can be a great tool to re-sign up for what love really is about - laying down your life for others in the context of loving Jesus with all of your heart.

*Above photo by my beautiful sis-in-law, Maggie Powell. :)