ICS Daily Devotions
Guard Your Marriage
Malachi 2:16 For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I HATE divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate].
This verse gives us a very stern warning on how God views our marriage and He has asked us to watch our spirit. God is telling us that He hates divorce. If we do not watch our spirit, the spirit of the world will influence and tempt us to quit our marriage whenever we face a rough patch.
The world is bombarding us from all angles e.g. the media, friends, relatives and colleagues. These voices subtly influence our values and thinking so much that at times, they clog up the voice of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Therefore, God has asked us to watch our spirit and keep it in check regarding our attitude and action towards our spouse. Why? Because our attitude may not be in line with the Word of God, being influenced by the values and principles of this world.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
As a New Testament believer, God has an even higher expectation of us to watch our spirit. This is because we are a new creation, born again with a spirit that has the nature of God. We also have the Word of God to guide and counsel us and the Holy Spirit to lead us. God expects us to watch over our marriage covenant with our spouse seriously because He is a covenant watching God. He is not pleased when we are treating our spouse in a manner which violates the covenant.
Watch your spirit so that you will not end up like those who view marriages as contracts where there is an escape clause and individualism reigns. In contrast, in a marriage covenant we are ONE and therefore we will face everything together.
Malachi 2:15a And did not God make [you and your wife] one [flesh]?
Remember that a marriage covenant, like a Biblical blood covenant between two parties is the closest, most enduring, solemn and sacred of all contracts which absolutely cannot be broken. You promise to give the other party your life, your love and protection forever, till death do you part. Therefore, always keep watch on your spirit to guard your marriage so that you are not influenced by the voices of the world but instead, keep your attitude towards your spouse in line with the Word of God.
Sermon Series: Marriage Covenant
