Flourishing Marriages Require Faithful Presence

Why some marriages flourish and others don’t.

I am always interested in discovering what causes some marriages to flourish and others to falter. What allows some marriages to stand the test of time and others fall by the way side?

I believe the answer is simple even if the application is challenging. The answer to why some marriages “make it” and others don’t is because of the practice of faithful presence.

There are some truths I believe are central to this understanding and undertaking. The first that God created us in his likeness and his image. Therefore, we are image bearers. Secondly, God declared that it was not good for man to be alone and so He created him a help meet. Then God instituted the institution of marriage. Knowing this, we are challenged to not only be “image bearers” but also faithful stewards of what God has ordained.

As image bearers we reflect the grace of God within the bonds of marriage. We seek to reflect God in all that we say and in all that we do. And when we bear His likeness within the marriage, we ultimately project that image to the world and bring glory to God. Properly understood this elevates marriage from a state sanctioned event to God honoring worship.

As stewards, we care for and nurture the ties that bind. Less we be found wanting when He returns, our stewardship requires us to do all that is in our power to ensure that we are not only faithful but also fruitful. Stewardship demands our best. It means that we are attentive and supportive. It means we are both committed and submitted. It means that we seek to love and nurture.

Flourishing marriages practice faithful presence by being accountable image bearers and responsible stewards. As a result the marriage edifies the couple while simultaneously glorifying God.