Two of the smallest words in the English language. Two words for one of the biggest moments of our lives. Two words that makes liars out of many Americans, yea evangelicals, in my generation. Last night was the last class period of our Marriage Enrichment class, and for our final, my wife and I joined other couples in our class to renew our wedding vows. I know it sounds cheesy, but it was less than five years ago when I said those two words to my wife for the first time, and those words are never more heavy upon my heart. I believe God intended those little words to be heavy, and the fact that our culture today has treated them so lightly is an indictment against the God-ordained institution that serves as the fabric of our society. Such heaviness can only be managed by a joyous commitment of unconditional love where I find great pleasure and delight in satisfying my wife and bringing glory to God. Whether I realize it or not, there are many things that I say “I Don’t” to, and with deep regret, my marriage has at times been one of them. How often has ministry or friends or schoolwork or other personal agendas (including blogs!) taken precedent over our spouses?! Last night was good because it was heavier than usual, and I felt the weight of God’s love which I don’t deserve and the gift he has given me in my beautiful bride. I know that last night was considered a “final exam” for my class, but I know The Day will come when those little words will be finally judged – and that is a final, I pray by God’s grace, I do not fail.
It’s amazing that the big moments of life require so few words, so little words at that. If you are married, have you felt the weight of the covenant of marriage which you entered when you said, “I Do”? Man, I am feeling it now, and I hope God never lets me fail to see the treasure I have been given. Brothers and sisters, I am reminded to pray for one another, for our marriages and our families. We will all give an account one day for every idle and careless word that proceeds out of our mouths (Matt. 12:36-37). May the smallest words not be among them.
Provocations & Pantings 
I Do.
November 13, 2007Two of the smallest words in the English language. Two words for one of the biggest moments of our lives. Two words that makes liars out of many Americans, yea evangelicals, in my generation. Last night was the last class period of our Marriage Enrichment class, and for our final, my wife and I joined other couples in our class to renew our wedding vows. I know it sounds cheesy, but it was less than five years ago when I said those two words to my wife for the first time, and those words are never more heavy upon my heart. I believe God intended those little words to be heavy, and the fact that our culture today has treated them so lightly is an indictment against the God-ordained institution that serves as the fabric of our society. Such heaviness can only be managed by a joyous commitment of unconditional love where I find great pleasure and delight in satisfying my wife and bringing glory to God. Whether I realize it or not, there are many things that I say “I Don’t” to, and with deep regret, my marriage has at times been one of them. How often has ministry or friends or schoolwork or other personal agendas (including blogs!) taken precedent over our spouses?! Last night was good because it was heavier than usual, and I felt the weight of God’s love which I don’t deserve and the gift he has given me in my beautiful bride. I know that last night was considered a “final exam” for my class, but I know The Day will come when those little words will be finally judged – and that is a final, I pray by God’s grace, I do not fail.
It’s amazing that the big moments of life require so few words, so little words at that. If you are married, have you felt the weight of the covenant of marriage which you entered when you said, “I Do”? Man, I am feeling it now, and I hope God never lets me fail to see the treasure I have been given. Brothers and sisters, I am reminded to pray for one another, for our marriages and our families. We will all give an account one day for every idle and careless word that proceeds out of our mouths (Matt. 12:36-37). May the smallest words not be among them.
Categories: Family, Personal Commentary
Tags: I Do, Marriage
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