The idea of prioritizing Christian marriage may be a weird notion in light of parenting concerns. The average parent may feel that discussing marriage is not necessary when it comes to learning how to parent. Interestingly, though, many parents may not notice it, but when the children come, they wind up wondering where the marriage went.
Of course, this is not talking about single parents. Single parenting requires much of God's help, and He willingly gives it, but for married couples, the marriage relationship needs to be discussed when family life is to be considered. Seriously, when I became pregnant, I myself never thought of prioritizing marriage. Society encourages couples to be self-sacrificial when the baby comes, waiting on him hand and foot at the expense of the marriage. This is indeed masquerading as self-sacrifice, minus the necessary balance for a harmonious family life.
Believe it or not, it was actually in a parenting book that I first heard the idea of making marriage a priority. Before discussing parenting concerns, the book explained from the outset about how the husband and wife should continue to prioritize their love relationship. While the baby is truly important and needs to be cared for, he is definitely not what the family universe revolves around.
Instead, the baby develops a sense of belongingness early on while observing the love and joy between his mom and dad, which results in his wanting to be part of that union too. Without even struggling, the couple winds up having their baby belong to something wonderful.
This gives us a wonderful glimpse into what being children of God is like. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are ecstatic in their love union of unparalleled harmony and joy. When He makes us His children, He gives us the chance to be part of that wonderful communion, thanks to His own work at the cross.
On another note, it also seems to tie in with our personal relationship with Jesus. Most Christians start off vibrant and exuberant in the love of Christ. But they soon become too busy nurturing "babies" in the faith that they forget to enjoy their own romance with the King.
In contrast, Jesus continues to invite us to abide, or remain, or spend time with Him. Doesn't this give us permission to nurture our love relationship with Him? This does not mean we can just forget everyone else, but prioritizing our love relationship with the Bridegroom will result in an overflow of service.
In terms of our own child rearing, when the mom and dad are too caught up in their parenting duties at the expense of the marriage relationship, it's only a matter of time before they drift apart.
This underlying tension winds up unhealthy for the baby, who, by the way, is actually your child for life! Instead, a husband and wife who build each other up with His words and love will become more effective parents in that what used to be a chore suddenly becomes a joy!
Of course, this is not talking about single parents. Single parenting requires much of God's help, and He willingly gives it, but for married couples, the marriage relationship needs to be discussed when family life is to be considered. Seriously, when I became pregnant, I myself never thought of prioritizing marriage. Society encourages couples to be self-sacrificial when the baby comes, waiting on him hand and foot at the expense of the marriage. This is indeed masquerading as self-sacrifice, minus the necessary balance for a harmonious family life.
Believe it or not, it was actually in a parenting book that I first heard the idea of making marriage a priority. Before discussing parenting concerns, the book explained from the outset about how the husband and wife should continue to prioritize their love relationship. While the baby is truly important and needs to be cared for, he is definitely not what the family universe revolves around.
Instead, the baby develops a sense of belongingness early on while observing the love and joy between his mom and dad, which results in his wanting to be part of that union too. Without even struggling, the couple winds up having their baby belong to something wonderful.
This gives us a wonderful glimpse into what being children of God is like. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are ecstatic in their love union of unparalleled harmony and joy. When He makes us His children, He gives us the chance to be part of that wonderful communion, thanks to His own work at the cross.
On another note, it also seems to tie in with our personal relationship with Jesus. Most Christians start off vibrant and exuberant in the love of Christ. But they soon become too busy nurturing "babies" in the faith that they forget to enjoy their own romance with the King.
In contrast, Jesus continues to invite us to abide, or remain, or spend time with Him. Doesn't this give us permission to nurture our love relationship with Him? This does not mean we can just forget everyone else, but prioritizing our love relationship with the Bridegroom will result in an overflow of service.
In terms of our own child rearing, when the mom and dad are too caught up in their parenting duties at the expense of the marriage relationship, it's only a matter of time before they drift apart.
This underlying tension winds up unhealthy for the baby, who, by the way, is actually your child for life! Instead, a husband and wife who build each other up with His words and love will become more effective parents in that what used to be a chore suddenly becomes a joy!