What God Honors

The concept of honor is highly valued in Native America. God’s Word affirms one way honor is achieved is through a strong marriage. The writer of the book of Hebrews sums up God’s view of marriage in a single verse: “Marriage is honorable and the marital bed must be kept sacred, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers” (Heb 13:4 paraphrased). In this verse, God is pictured as being personally involved in our marriages. Our wise Creator knows the combined strength of any nation lies in the hearts of individual citizens. Matrimony is His divine plan. Every nation in the world recognizes marriage as a vital aspect of society. But Paul warns us that in the latter days many would forbid marriage (I Tim. 4:3). Following this deception, common-law is the socially-accepted norm for cohabitation in many of our First Nations.

Throughout the Bible, marriage is seen as God ordained. A solid Christian marriage promises a lifetime of harmony and happiness. This sacred covenant is violated when either party is unfaithful. Regardless of the opinion of the so-called experts, no extramarital affair is ever casual. Infidelity always breeds marital disaster. Immorality tears apart homes as well as communities.

The word “marriage” in Hebrews 13:4 refers to the wedding feast, for marriage is intended to be a lifelong celebration between a man and a woman. This verse assures us that marriage is honorable in every respect and under all circumstances. The Greek term “honor” refers to “that which is esteemed, precious, of a great value, especially dear, and free from contamination.” This same word is used regarding God’s Word, as well as the precious blood of Christ (II Pet. 1:4 & I Pet. 1:19). God honors marriage, but will judge all who dishonor Him through sexual sin. God’s mandates in Hebrews 13:4 cover sex outside of marriage and extramarital sex. Fornication dishonors marriage before marriage and adultery dishonors marriage during marriage. The writer of Hebrews is quick to remind us God will judge those who disregard His warnings concerning immorality. Sexual sin will always be sin and God will always judge it as sin. The Lord knows moral problems produce STD’s, AIDS, date rape, unwanted pregnancies, broken homes, broken lives, nervous breakdowns, and even murder. Believers are commanded to “flee immorality” (I Cor. 6:18). When Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph, he left his coat in her hand and fled (Gen. 39:12).

Godly couples keep their beds undefiled through steadfast fidelity. Immorality is never to be named among Believers (Eph. 5:3). To stay loyal to one’s spouse is God’s plan to preserve marital purity and happiness. Peter commands every husband to honor his wife, for they are heirs together of the grace of life (I Pet.3:7). All who are planning to wed should carefully consider Creator’s instructions concerning matrimony. Your marriage will be honored by others as you remain faithful to each other. The strength of your marriage will influence other couples to follow Christ as Savior.

Maxim of the Moment

God will bless the man who blesses his wife.