What Does God’s Kingdom Look Like for Us – Now and Later?
I was single only until 22 years of age, and I am now 73 so you can see that I have much more experience as a married man than I did as a single. I am going to make a generalization and see what you think of it.
Here it is:
“Marriage is the most difficult human relationship to get right and result in harmony.”
The reason I am starting here is to let you know that if two people can see “God’s kingdom coming and His will being done” in a marriage, then that clearly takes miracle power from Holy Spirit Himself. Two separate human beings of differing sexes, unique personalities, varied backgrounds, different personal goals and preferences are told in scripture that they will be one – not only the physical, sexual sense but also becoming one in heart, in friendship, in a common purpose, and in spiritual unity. Two lives being made one for caring purposes and the ultimate goal of bringing honor and glory to God both as individuals and as a couple, even as a family, if children are added.
When God places a man and woman in the union of marriage as they commit before God and others to love one another “in sickness and in health”, in “poverty and in wealth” through “whatever life brings in their path” as “long as they both shall live”, He knows that it will take a life time to develop the kind of love they will need. Marriage is not a short-term arrangement, or at least it was never meant to end in divorce.
Rather than get into a longer discussion here, let me keep to the theme of today’s article. As two followers of Christ committed to love one another for life, whether we knew it or not, we were embarking on an adventure that would test our faith, our love, our application of truths, our patience, and our character. When God says we are to be made “one” He means it. When He says He is going to conform us into the image of His Son, He means it, and as it happens in relationships – especially in marriage – then God’s kingdom of faith, hope, and love comes into the hearts and homes of His families beginning with the marriage of His man to His woman.
Children are to grow up into homes where God’s kingdom is coming in increasingly obvious measure. Children and other observers get to watch deepening faith, hope, and love. What happens in heaven is now being made clear to those of us on earth-His kingdom is coming and His will is being done.
What is His will? Jesus clarified it: “Love one another as I have loved you.” ” Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. And, love your neighbor (near ones) as you love yourself”! I imagine that is already happening in heaven – perfectly. We aren’t perfect at it here on earth, but we are to make progress toward it.
What do you say? Is your marriage, closest friendships, or family seeing “His kingdom come and His will being done”? It is a worthy goal and a desirable end to the process we call life.