MARRIAGE: Is There a Difference in Being Faithful to Your Spouse and Being Faithful to GOD?
Yesterday, I was thinking and comparing the impact of being faithful to your wife or husband alongside being faithful to GOD. I thought it would be a good thing to look into it. Many people are struggling with how to balance those requirements. If done properly, there will be some tough roads to hoe. If approached poorly, your life will be a very troubled world to live in.
As Paul mentioned, “that would be difficult to please your wife ad honor the LORD, properly.” [James emphasis added]
“The married man is concerned about the things of the world—how to please his wife—and his interests are divided.” –1 Corinthians 7:33–34
The fact is… Marriage introduces dual responsibilities, and those responsibilities naturally pull a person in two directions. If you have not noticed or figured this out, there will be occasional tension between the married folk’s devotion and at the same time, undivided devotion to the Lord. This is tiring!
I will try to compare (if possible) faithfulness to our spouse and to the LORD.
We can surely agree that sacrificial love and commitment are leading the charge in the marital arena. There is a similarity between the self-sacrifice seen in Biblical characters and the role of a husband or wife. Just as the main characters in Scripture often lay down their lives for a greater purpose, a spouse is required to "die to self" and set aside personal desires and pride for the sake of the other spouse and the family.
This means being humble and fully surrendered to the Spirit of GOD. True faithfulness in marriage involves daily choices to prioritize your spouse. Yes! We must learn to love and serve in many ways. These acts are ever more powerful, when the loving is difficult.
Are you often available and “there” when needed? Even if you are in the house, are you consistently involved in the role you were created for and promised you would do, when you said, “I will” or “I do”?
Many, if not all, of the same qualities for serving your Lord are essential in marriage. Faithfulness is not just about avoiding betrayal; it’s about showing up, offering support, and making your spouse feel valued and secure.
Now, I will try to compare (if possible) faithfulness to GOD and to our mate.
In cold, hard facts, obedience and trust (faith) are kindred, and in my understanding, they are inseparable, when it comes to serving the LORD GOD. Those of us who choose to keep (shamar) GOD’s Word in their hearts and follow It are children of the Father.
Faithfulness to GOD means living according to His Teachings (Laws, Instructions and Guidance), trusting in His promises, and seeking to honor Him in all areas of life—including marriage <I’m smiling>. If we are faithful in this, what comes with are His manifold blessings, a sense of belonging (see Isaiah 26:1-8), and the strength to remain steadfast.
Can you see the connections I was able to make? I am still working on sewing them together. There are numerous connections between the two.
Faithfulness to your spouse and to GOD are intertwined. Honoring your marriage vows is a way of honoring GOD, as marriage is seen as a sacred covenant.
Faithfulness to your spouse is nothing short of sacrificial love, being present and available, and showing a daily commitment. Being faithful to your wife or husband means honoring your commitment, showing loyalty, and consistently choosing love and respect in your relationship. Here are some cool and helpful snippets I found that would serve good reminders:
Keeping promises and vows made during marriage.
Supporting your spouse emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Practicing forgiveness, patience, and understanding.
Avoiding actions that would betray trust, such as infidelity or dishonesty.
Faithfulness to GOD is all about obedience, trust, and letting His Spirit guide our actions. Being faithful to GOD means living according to spiritual principles, maintaining trust in GOD’s guidance, and prioritizing your relationship with the divine. Here are some cool and helpful snippets I found that would serve good reminders:
Obeying GOD’s Word and Commandments.
Seeking GOD’s will in your decisions and actions.
Praying, worshipping, and nurturing your spiritual life.
Demonstrating integrity and humility in all areas of life.
Ask yourself, “Are they the same?” “Are they similar?”
These two forms of faithfulness support and strengthen each other, creating a foundation for a healthy marriage and a vibrant spiritual life.
Many of the same qualities for serving your mate are essential in being submitted to the Lord.